Smoked Beet Sandwich + Avocado Mayonnaise

While writing this clean recipe, autocorrect keeps trying to change beet to beef. It’s as if even the computer can’t believe there could be a smoky, meaty sandwich without beef. Ah yes! There can be. And we’re excited to mix it up and away from mushrooms as a meat substitution as well. This recipe was inspired by the reuben sandwich, but we’re not quite taking it there. The flavor here is just super clean and delicious!The secret ingredient is Lapsang Souchong, a black tea from the Fujian province of China. The flavor is smoky, elegant, and not overpowering- much preferred to the weird flavor and ingredients in liquid smoke. You can find the tea in most Whole Foods markets, but we love the quality and flavor of the teas from Samovar Tea Lounge. Using this tea as a marinade is such a fun kitchen tool- it’s also packed full of health. | Ingredients: Smoked Beets|1 medium beet, peeled and thinly sliced on a mandolin1 cup brewed Lapsang Souchong tea*1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon tamari1 tablespoon apple cider vinegarPinch of sea saltPinch of ground pepperPinch of cayenne * 1 tablespoon dried tea brewed with 8 oz boiling water for 10-12 minutes for a strong and rich brew. | Directions: Smoked Beets |Whisk together brewed tea and all remaining ingredients to create the marinade. Toss beets with marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or they can be stored in the refrigerator overnight for a more intense flavor. Once beets are marinated, you can optionally dehydrate for 1-2 hours to intensify the flavor and make a drier sandwich. Or, strain beets and serve as they are. Save marinade as a dipping sauce. Makes enough for 4-6 sandwiches. | Ingredients: Avocado Mayonnaise |

• 1 large avocado
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)
• Pinch of nutmeg

 | Directions: Avocado Mayonnaise |Blend all ingredients until smooth and fluffy.Makes approximately 1 cup. | Assembly |

• Marinated Beets
• Avocado Mayonnaise
• Dijon Mustard (optional)
• Sprouts
• Baby Lettuce
• Sauerkraut
• Your favorite Gluten Free Bread, toasted

 Build a sandwich! You know how to do that right?? Easy. Delicious and slightly exotic… you will definitely get props for this one. Enjoy your beet sandwich with some friends, folks! Makes enough for 4-6 sandwiches