I used to love a good lobster roll with loads of butter. But after becoming vegan, it was off the menu. I thought I would never have anything close to lobster again. WRONG!!

I know what you’re thinking… “no way”. I thought that too. But then the recipe gods at Purple Carrot came through. When I made their vegan ‘lobster’ rolls my mind was blown.

Does it taste exactly like lobster? No. But the texture and flavor of the heart of palm ‘meat’ in this dish will satisfy any cravings you have to eat this sea animal. Like most recipes from Purple Carrot, the directions are easy to follow. But don’t forget the dill and be sure to toast the bread and you will be in seafood heaven.

Here is the recipe from Purple Carrot. Give it a try and let me know what you think

INGREDIENTS:.

• 10 oz Yukon gold potato

• 14 oz hearts of palm

• 1 tsp New England Seasoning

• 1 shallot

• 1 celery stalk 

• ¼ oz Fresh dill

• 1 lemon

• ¼ cup Follow Your HeartⓇ VegenaiseⓇ

• ½ tsp celery seeds

• 2 tsp capers

• 2 hot dog buns

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil*

• 1 tsp olive oil*

INSTRUCTIONS:

 Roast the potato wedges–Preheat the oven to 425°F with one rack set on the top position and another on the bottom position. Cut the potatoes into 1 inch thick wedges. Transfer wedges to a baking sheet and toss with 2 tsp vegetable oil, a good pinch of pepper, and a pinch of salt. Roast potatoes on the bottom rack until crispy in places, about 20 to 23 minutes.

Roast the hearts of palm–Drain the hearts of palm and pat dry with paper towels and roughly chop. On a separate baking sheet, gently toss hearts of palm with 1 tsp vegetable oil, New England seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper, until evenly coated. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast on the top rack until lightly browned in places, about 18 to 20 minutes.

 Make the dill dressing–Peel and mince the shallot. Trim and thinly slice the celery. Finely chop the dill fronds. Zest and halve the lemon, and cut half into wedges. In a large bowl, combine the minced shallot, sliced celery, chopped dill, Vegenaise, celery seeds, capers, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. 

Toast the buns–Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the tops of the hot dog buns with 1 tsp olive oil each and toast the buns, oiled-side down, until well browned, about 1 minute.

Serve–Add the lemon zest to the potato wedges on the baking sheet and toss. Add the roasted hearts of palm to the dill dressing and gently toss until the “lobster” is evenly coated. Divide the mixture between the toasted buns. Serve with lemon pepper potato wedges and lemon wedges. Enjoy!

This is not an ad, but check back for my upcoming review of Purple Carrot’s delivery service.

Recipe and photo credit: Purple Carrot