Tomato & Olive Vegan Deli Slices for Sandwiches

5 from 7 votes

Looking for something special to add to your sandwiches? Try homemade tomato & olive vegan deli slices, they're easy to make and delicious.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Total Time55

Course: Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps

Cuisine: British, vegan

Servings: slices

Calories: 139kcal

250 g vital wheat gluten
2 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 tablespoons garlic powder (or granules)
1 pinch salt and pepper
70 g black (pitted) olives (sliced)
200 ml vegetable stock
2 tablespoons tomato puree
6 tablespoons sundried tomato paste (you could use red pepper paste or red pesto, see notes)
2 tablespoons olive oil

In a large mixing bowl add all the dry ingredients (vital wheat gluten, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper) and mix well.
Mix in the olives.
In another bowl, add the stock sundried tomato paste, tomato puree and olive oil and mix well until well combined.
Pour the tomato mixture into the dry mix and mix together well.
Knead (or fold over on itself a few times) in the bowl for one or two minutes (with clean hands). You will feel how elastic it is right away. It really doesn't need a lot of kneading.
Shape and roll into a sausage shape, then roll firmly in non-stick baking paper.
Now roll in tin foil and twist the ends like a cracker.
Pop in the air fryer at 200c/400c for 45 minutes (middle shelf, if you have shelves) or in a preheated oven at 200c/180c fan/400f/gas mark 6 for 45 -50 minutes.
When it's ready it should have started to brown on the outside and be firm, yet springy to the touch.
Leave to cool, in the wrapping.
Slice and use in sandwiches and wraps/
Enjoy!

If you are using red pesto and it is oily, you may want to reduce the olive oil.
If you don't like olives, you can skip them.

Storing deli slices

Swaddle it like a baby (in non-stick baking/greaseproof paper) and pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Just slice some as you need it, then wrap it up again and pop back in the fridge.

Freezing deli slices

Before slicing it (or slicing what's left, wrap it well, then pop it in a freezer bag or tub and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it defrost in the fridge for a wee while before slicing it.