Nothing is more popular in my house than “make your own” nights. Make your own stirfry, salad bar, burritos and pizzas are staples on my menu because there is a much greater chance that the kids will actually eat something they’ve prepared themselves. I provide the basic supplies, lay them out on the kitchen counter or table and let them go to it.

Sub sandwiches are a delicious and versatile weeknight dinner because they are easy to put together and thrown on a plate with a salad make a quick healthy meal. I like to set out a big variety of toppings for everyone to choose from and I always grill some onions and mushrooms or crispy tofu as meat alternatives. Recently I found that if I thinly slice oyster mushrooms and sauté them in a pan on the stove with some garlic and onion they make lovely flavourful cold cut alternatives. (Did you know that processed meats such as cold cuts, bacon, sausages and hot dogs contain nitrates- chemical additives that preserve freshness. Nitrates have been linked to stomach cancer and other degenerative diseases. These fatty meat products are also full of unhealthy saturated fat that can raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. Source: The Dr. Oz Show)

Try making your own plant-based sandwich buffet and see if it’s as popular with your family. Use your imagination and set out any toppings you think your gang would enjoy and be sure to stock up on lots of sauces to kick up the flavor on your creations. Just be careful that you don’t pile the toppings too high or you might need to eat your sub with a knife and fork!

Lori’s Sub Night

Sub buns or bread (any regular or gluten-free variety)
1 onion finely chopped
2 cups of mushrooms, sliced thin (try oyster for a cold cut substitute)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 batch of crispy tofu

Topping Suggestions:
Shredded lettuce or spinach
Chopped Tomato
Sliced Pickles
Grated Carrot
Grated Beets
Sliced Avocado (or Izzy’s Guacamole)
Grated Zucchini (or you could chop it and sauté it with the mushrooms)
Sliced Cucumber
Sprouts
Hot Peppers
Sliced Olives
Grated vegan or regular cheese
Finely chopped parsley, cilantro or basil
Hummus
BBQ Sauce
Vegennaise
Mustard (regular and hot)
Hot Sauce
Horseradish
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper

Slice buns or bread. Saute onion, garlic and mushrooms in oil on the stove in a frying pan until softened (approx. 5-6 minutes).

Lay out all of your toppings and sauces on the countertop or table. Let the sandwich making fun commence.

Enjoy!