If you are looking for the perfect vegan brunch recipe, this tofu Florentine with vegan hollandaise is for you. Be amazed by the texture and flavor of this incredible tahini based vegan hollandaise sauce! This vegan Florentine bennedict features lightly spiced scrambled tofu laced with wilted baby spinach, perched on a bed of griddled English muffins and drenched in silky, lemony sauce. This dish is everything. This recipe was sponsored by Mighty Sesame Tahini Co., I was compensated for using their products but the opinions are all my own.
Why you will love this tofu Florentine "Benedict"
There is so much to love about this tofu Florentine with vegan hollandaise. First things first, it's insanely delicious. I don't know about you but the foodie in me really missed the velvety smooth texture and decadence of hollandaise sauce. This recipe veganizes it so perfectly. The lightly spiced scrambled tofu feels so substantial and has a light fluffy feel that is quite similar to scrambled eggs. Mixed with fresh wilted baby spinach and perched on a bed of griddled English muffins, this is brunch heaven. This recipe is easy enough for a beginner cook yet looks fancy in a way that only a brunch bennedict can. This is perfect for Easter or New Years Day or any other day you want to start out with something really special.
What is Hollandaise sauce?
Hollandaise is a velvety smooth sauce used in eggs bennedict dishes. Make it by combining egg yolks with melted butter, lemon, salt and a couple other ingredients depending on who makes it. While traditional hollandaise is decadent and delicious, it can be a tedious chore to make due to the tempering of the egg yolks to be sure they don't fully cook. Also, the traditional hollandaise does not adhere to my plant-based diet. Which is why I developed this recipe for tofu Florentine with vegan hollandaise. If you are vegan, but miss having a fancy brunch, you will love this!
Ingredients for Tofu Florentine with Vegan Hollandaise
This super easy recipe only has 10 ingredients and it makes the most decadent vegan brunch dish you have ever had! Let's talk about the ingredients and any possible substitutes as I know I will get some questions.
- English muffins- I used store bought English muffins to make this easy but you can use any kind of bread you like! The muffins are just the base of the dish, so if you are gluten free leave them out. Either skip the base. or you can substitute hash browns or home fried potatoes for bread.
- Vegan Butter- Since I wanted to make this as decadent as possible, I griddled the English muffins with vegan butter. But feel free to leave out the butter.
- 16 oz Firm or Extra Firm Tofu- Use firm or extra firm tofu to mock scrambled eggs. They crumble and leave delicate and fluffy pieces that are similar. you can substitute a vegan egg product like JUST EGG if you prefer.
- Extra virgin olive oil- This recipe is not oil-free. I have not tested it without the oil, and I suspect that the extra virgin olive oil is what really gives this hollandaise it's extra silky mouthfeel. There is not alot of oil involved. If you omit it, it will significantly change the recipe.
- Turmeric-Turmeric is a mildly flavored Indian spice that packs a punch. It's has a golden yellow hue and medicinal properties. Use it sparingly because it's for color, not flavor. Don't leave it out, the meal will be colorless and therefore seem bland. We eat with the eyes first!
- Salt-As always taste and adjust the recipe's salt content. I always put the least amount of salt in the recipe that will bring out the flavor and then hope you will add some if you like it saltier.
- Baby spinach- Baby spinach is so great in this recipe. It's fresh, vibrant and full of vitamins which is ideal for a breakfast. The green vegetable pairs so well with hollandaise sauce. This match is made in heaven!
- Sesame tahini- Sesame tahini is magnificent in this recipe. It tastes incredible. Do not swap out this ingredient.
- Lemon- Lemon balances the nutty tahini flavor and gives it more of that signature hollandaise vibe. If you are in a pinch, you could probably sub some dijon mustard and add extra water.
- Tabasco sauce- Tabasco or any vinegary, red, hot sauce like Tapatio is optional. I think it balances all the flavors and makes it the perfect flavor. It's just a little but it really makes it delicious.
How to make Tofu Florentine with Vegan Hollandaise
As far as cooking goes, this dish is super easy. Even a beginner cook or someone who has never cooked vegan food can make this with success. Here is how we make it.
- Scramble the tofu- This is a really easy step. While the tofu is cooking, you can make the other elements of the dish.
- Make the Hollandaise-Using a high speed blender, this is really quick and easy!
- Prepare English Muffins- Use your preferred method-griddle with butter or toast
- Assemble-Put English muffins on a plate, then top with the tofu/spinach scramble and the vegan hollandaise sauce.
Other delicious tahini recipes
Tofu Florentine with Vegan Hollandaise
Ingredients
- 4 english muffins cut in half and toasted or griddled with optional vegan butter
For Tofu Scramble
- 16 oz firm tofu crumbled
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 2 pinches salt
- 8 oz baby spinach
- 2 tbsp water
For Hollandaise Sauce
- ⅓ cup sesame tahini
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 2 pinches salt
- 1 tsp tabasco sauce optional
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. When warmed add olive oil, swish to coat and add crumbled tofu, salt and turmeric. Let it sit on the heat for 4-5 minutes without moving it before stirring once and letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. This will sear the tofu and give it better texture, flavor and color. Once tofu is hot all the way thru, add the spinach, water and cover until the spinach is all wilted.
- Meanwhile make the “hollandaise” by combining sesame tahini, extra virgin olive oil, lemon, salt, turmeric and optional tabasco in a high speed blender and puree until smooth. Check texture and add more water if desired to make more pourable.
- Toast or griddle the English muffins or bread of your choice.
- Assemble the Florentine "bennedicts" by layering English muffin with the scramble and then topping with the hollandaise sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Karen
Thanks for the recipe. It was amazing. I used black salt. So good 🙂
Sara Tercero
So happy to hear this! Thanks for the feedback and 5 stars.
Charlene
I assume you mean the juice of one lemon? Reads like you put the whole lemon in the blender. 🙂
Sara Tercero
Yes I mean the juice!