Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegan T.V.P. Breakfast Crumbles?
These are protein-packed breakfast crumbles made from textured vegetable protein (T.V.P.) seasoned to mimic the taste of traditional sausage.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is 100% vegan and vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or liquid aminos and gluten-free T.V.P.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
What is T.V.P.?
T.V.P. stands for Textured Vegetable Protein, a high-protein soy product often used as a meat substitute.
What are some ways to serve these crumbles?
You can serve them in breakfast burritos, on top of avocado toast, or as a side dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is liquid smoke required?
No, liquid smoke is optional, but it adds a nice smoky flavor to the crumbles.
Can I substitute soy sauce for Braggs liquid aminos?
Yes, you can use either Braggs liquid aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
What gives the crumbles a sausage-like flavor?
The combination of crushed sage, ground fennel, garlic powder, and black pepper creates the savory sausage profile.
Why do I need to let the mixture sit for 5 minutes?
Allowing the mixture to sit ensures the T.V.P. fully absorbs the liquid and seasonings before frying.
Do I need to fry the crumbles?
Yes, frying them for about 5 minutes helps them become golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Should the skillet be covered while frying?
No, the crumbles should be fried uncovered to achieve a crispy texture.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A medium heat setting is recommended for frying the T.V.P. mixture.
What is the purpose of nutritional yeast in this recipe?
Nutritional yeast adds a savory, nutty flavor and a boost of B-vitamins.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
The recipe calls for oil to fry the crumbles until crispy, but you could attempt using a non-stick pan with a small amount of water or broth.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe uses a small amount of maple syrup and blackstrap molasses for balance and depth of flavor.
How much water is needed to rehydrate the T.V.P.?
You will need 1/2 cup of boiling water.
Can I add extra spice to the crumbles?
Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier breakfast crumble.
What is blackstrap molasses used for?
It adds a rich, dark color and a subtle depth of flavor to the seasoning mix.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, these crumbles are excellent for meal prep as they can be stored and used throughout the week.
Do the crumbles need to be served immediately?
While they are best served fresh and crispy, they can be reheated later.
What is the texture of the finished crumbles?
They have a tender interior with crispy, golden brown edges.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of garlic powder?
Garlic powder is used here for even distribution, but finely minced fresh garlic could be added during the frying stage.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, T.V.P. is generally an affordable, shelf-stable protein source.
How much maple syrup is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of maple syrup.
What if I don't have ground fennel?
Fennel is key for the sausage taste, but you can omit it or use extra sage if necessary.
How much sage is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed sage.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, T.V.P. is a very high-protein ingredient, making this a protein-packed breakfast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.