### Title: **African-Inspired Vegan “Bacon,” Egg & Cheese Burger**
#### Description:
Treat your little ones to a fun and flavorful twist on the classic breakfast burger with this African-inspired vegan delight! Featuring smoky and savory tempeh “bacon,” fluffy chickpea “eggs,” and creamy cashew cheese, this dish makes for an exciting meal that’s both nourishing and appealing to kids. Topped with a zesty tomato and avocado relish, this burger is sure to become a favorite in your family!
#### Ingredients:
**For the “Bacon”:**
– 1 cup tempeh, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
**For the “Eggs”:**
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
**For the Cashew Cheese:**
– 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 2 hours)
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– Water, as needed for consistency
**For the Relish:**
– 1 ripe tomato, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**For Assembly:**
– 4 whole grain burger buns
– Fresh spinach or lettuce leaves
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the “Bacon”:**
– In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and olive oil.
– Add the sliced tempeh and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
– Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated tempeh slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy. Set aside.
2. **Make the “Eggs”:**
– In a blender or food processor, combine cooked chickpeas, nutritional yeast, turmeric powder, salt, pepper, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the chickpea mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Cashew Cheese:**
– Drain and rinse soaked cashews. In a blender, combine cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until creamy, adding water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
4. **Prepare the Relish:**
– In a small bowl, combine diced tomato, avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
5. **Assemble the Burgers:**
– Toast the whole grain burger buns lightly on a skillet or in a toaster.
– On the bottom half of each bun, layer fresh spinach or lettuce, a generous scoop of chickpea “eggs,” crispy tempeh “bacon,” and a dollop of cashew cheese.
– Top with the tomato and avocado relish, and finally, add the top half of the bun.
6. **Serve:**
– Serve the burgers warm alongside sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete kid-friendly meal. Enjoy!
This African-inspired vegan “bacon,” egg, and cheese burger not only delights the taste buds but also sparks joy in your child’s meals, making them excited about plant-based eating!