Completely vegan, these Cordon Bleu are made of cannellini beans and they are an inexpensive alternative to store bought versions.
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Let's admit it, from time to time even us vegans find ourselves craving for some of those comfort foods that we used to have.
When I was a child, cordon bleu were definitely a favourite between me and my brother, and for quite a while now I've been meaning to try to make a plant based version completely from scratch (well, if we don't count store bought vegan ham and cheese actually).
I then started experimenting with cannellini beans to make a version that is also soy free. And here they are: as tasty and cheesy as I remembered.
What are Cordon Bleu
Originally from France, Cordon bleu are white meat cutlets-like (or roulade), typically chicken, filled with ham and cheese.
The name literally translates into "blue ribbon", a prize that was (and still is today in some country fairs) awarded to those with brilliant culinary skills.
Still today the term is referred to culinary schools in which you can learn French cuisine.
What is Vegan Cordon Bleu?
Vegan Cordon Bleu is a plant-based version of the traditional French dish typically made with veal or chicken, ham, and cheese.
In this vegan version, we use a cannellini bean mixture layered with vegan ham and cheese, and then breaded and baked to perfection. The result is a rich, flavourful dish that’s entirely free of animal products but just as satisfying as the original.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein: By using beans and plant-based ham, this dish provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Lower in Saturated Fat: Unlike traditional Cordon Bleu, the vegan version is lower in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option.
- Packed with Nutrients: The ingredients used in vegan Cordon Bleu are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and B vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.
- High in Fiber: The use of whole grain breadcrumbs and plant-based ingredients increases the fiber content, promoting good digestion and a feeling of fullness.
How to make Vegan Cordon Bleu
Obviously our version will be completely cruelty free, and funnily enough it won't have any chicken, cheese or ham.
Instead, we are going to substitute the chicken meat with a mixture of cannellini beans, wholemeal flour and a bunch of spices and herbs.
This mixture, or thick batter if you like, really comes together in no time and it can be made from both canned or home cooked beans.
It can also be prepared up to two days in advance or you can freeze the vegan cordon bleu for batch cooking.
For the ham part we are going to use store bought vegan slices and the cheese can be either store bought or homemade.
We are then going to coat the our cannellini bean sandwiches in crumbs. Regular bread crumbs, panko bread or even ground vegan corn flakes will all work perfectly.
Finally, we are going to cook our vegan cordon bleu; they can be either deep fry, pan fry, air fry or oven bake.
I personally prefer cooking them in the air fryer as it allows me to cook with less oil and to end up with a product that is gorgeously crispy and fragrant just like it would be deep fried.
I suggest to serve these delicious cordon bleu with a side of salad (bean salad, potato salad or coleslaw salad) or in a burger bun.
Recipe
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