50 States of MoFo: Louisiana: Yaka Mein

Years ago, Kittee mentioned Yaka Mein to me.  This is a unique Creole/Chinese fusion dish common in New Orleans.  You can hear a bit more about its possible history here:

Here's how I tackled it, vegan style:

1. THE NOODLES:    Cook 1/2 lb spaghetti according to package directions.  Drain, and toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

2. THE "EGG":  Stir up a batch of Carol's special vegan omelet batter.  Grease a cast iron skillet and some muffin rings.  Fry thick omelets/patties in the muffin rings.   Quarter them  (or slice however you please).

3. THE "BEEF":  In a greased cast iron skillet, fry some Gardein Beefless Tips (or any dark seitan) with creole seasoning to taste.

4. THE BROTH:  In a pot, combine:  1 quart water, 2 t vegan "beef" broth paste or powder (such as Better than Bouillon No-Beef), 1 T tomato paste, 1 t Old Bay Seasoning, 1 t marmite, 1 t vegan worcestershire sauce, and creole seasoning to taste.

5. THE ONION.   Finely chop some green onions.

To assemble:   Put a big scoop of spaghetti in the bottom of a bowl   Top with the gardein or seitan, and cover with a generous scoop of the broth.  Arrange the omelet pieces on top, and sprinkle with green onion.   Serve with condiments of your choice:  hot sauce, vegan worcestershire sauce, ketchup, creole seasoning, red pepper flakes, etc.

 This made an easy, tasty, and satisfying dinner.  We'll definitely make it again!