Tofu and Black Bean Sausage

So, I remember as a kid really enjoying sausage. For whatever reason, I just really liked the flavor and the texture.

Fast forward more years than I care to admit and I'm wondering why can't I make vegan sausage. It already exists commercially, so it can't be that hard to figure. I mean, I've made tofu meatballs. Would tofu sausage be all that different? Other than the spices, not at all. 

The key to using the tofu in scenarios where you're pureeing it and then shaping it is to thoroughly drain it. This is done by removing it from its packaging. Discarding the liquid. Wrapping it in a kitchen towel. Setting in a shallow container and placing a can of beans on top. Put it in the fridge. Then you wait. At least a couple of hours. 

You'll get a much better paste using tofu with very little liquid still in it. 

For the sausage spices I went a little old school and used a mortar and pestle. Yes, I have one. No, I don't use it very often. You can use a spice grinder instead. 

Tofu Sausage Ingredients
1 block drained extra firm tofu
1 can drained and rinsed black beans
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
3 tbls olive oil

Sausage Spice Mix
1 tbl fennel seed
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno, chunked
1 tbl coriander seed
1 tbl salt

Additional Spices
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp ground cumin (that's what I had, you could use cumin seed and put it in the Sausage spice mix)
2 tsps black pepper
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp crushed pepper flakes
1 more tbl salt (sausage needs a lot of salt)

Grind your sausage spice mix either using your mortar and pestle or grind the spices in your spice grinder and reserve the garlic and jalapeno for later. 

Add the tofu, black beans, oats, spice mix, additional spices and jalapeno and garlic if not already in the spice mix to your food processor. Pulse until a thick paste is achieved. 

Cover the chute of the food processor with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. 

Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray. 

Roll your sausage mixture into 3 inch diameter balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and then gently flatten into patty shapes. 

Set your oven to 400 F. 

Add your sheet of sausage patties immediately. Do not wait for the oven to preheat. 

Once the oven indicates that it's reached temp, set a timer for 15 minutes. 

When the timer is up, turn off the oven, but leave the patties in there for 15 more minutes. 

Once you remove them from the oven, allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving or trying to handle them.