Beer + Harissa Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables

Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables

And topped off with a creamy, roasted garlic walnut sauce. Oh yes. Tempeh has only been a part of my life for the past year, so I have to make up for lost time. Here’s a little bit about how amazing the stuff is and its plan to take over the world. It’s essentially a fermented soybean cake that’s much less processed than tofu and packed full of protein, fiber, calcium and iron. The flavor is earthy, nutty and delicious. Yum. Up until this point I’ve only quickly marinated it – then pan-fried it, like here and here. It’s pretty good that way but you must try it like this: First marinated in harissa, then steamed in beer = sweet, smokey, tender and delicious. After the beer is absorbed and evaporated, add a little oil to the pan and fry for crispy, irresistible edges. So good.

Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables
  • Step 1

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Cut tempeh in even, smallish chunks, as shown. Smother and cover in Harissa, salt & pepper. Let marinate.

  • Step 2

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Cook that farro.

  • Step 3

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Roast those pretty little beets.

  • Step 4

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Slow roast these walnuts and garlic on low heat in olive oil. Add some salt and pepper here.

  • Step 5

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Steam the tempeh in beer and cover until all the liquid is evaporated. Add high heat oil and pan fry.

  • Step 6

    Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables {Vegan}

    Combine ingredients for sauce and blend. Taste for salt and pepper.

Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables Beer-Braised Tempeh with Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables

 

Print Recipe


Ingredients for Tempeh

1 package of tempeh

1/2 cup of harissa

1/2 cup of your favorite beer

salt & pepper

dash of high heat oil for pan-frying

 

Ingredients for Walnut Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup walnuts

5 to 6 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon harissa

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

salt & pepper

 

Assembly 

4 medium sized beets

3 carrots

2 cups farro

parsley to top it off

 

Directions

Cut tempeh in even, medium chunks as shown. Place pieces in a bowl and cover in harissa, salt and pepper. Cook the farro per package directions. Wash and cut the beets and carrots. Roast on 350 F until tender, about 10 minutes. Place harissa soaked tempeh in pan with beer and cover with a large lid to steam on medium heat. While the tempeh is cooking, make the dressing: In a small pan, add olive oil, garlic and walnuts and slowly roast on low heat until fragrant. Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste for salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to thin it out. After the beer is evaporated, remove the lid, add some high heat oil (I used rice bran oil) and fry on medium high heat until light brown and crispy. Assemble dish as shown and enjoy.

 

Notes

If you want to skip the beer, just use 1/2 cup of water combined with a shot of apple cider vinegar.

Harissa can be found at Whole Foods, Fresh Market or your local ethnic market. Or go all out and make your own. 

More tips on how to prepare tempeh here.

  • http://www.naturesamazinggreens.com/ May

    I think I come here just to look at the pictures. Guilty, I know, but you are an amazing photographer!

    • http://earthyfeast.com/ Grace @ Earthy Feast

      Thank you so much May – you made my day! :)