Crispy Eggplant Bacon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (121 C) - you can turn it to “convection bake” if you have it to speed cooking time. Line 1 large or 2 small baking sheet(s) with parchment paper (amount/size as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).

Slice an eggplant (1) in half lengthwise and set one half aside for other uses. Then cut the remaining [eggplant] in half lengthwise once more so you have two long, skinny pieces.

Use a mandolin to slice into very thin strips (resembling the size/shape of bacon). They should be slightly thicker than paper thin - less than 0.125 inch thick. If slices are too thick, they may have trouble crisping up and/or will take longer. Set aside.

Make sauce by adding avocado or olive oil (1 tbsp), tamari (1.5 tbsp), vegan Worcestershire (1 tbsp), maple syrup (1 tbsp), liquid smoke (2 tsp), smoked paprika (1 tsp), sea salt (1 pinch), garlic powder (1 pinch), and freshly cracked black pepper (0.5 tsp) to a small mixing bowl and whisking to combine.

Use a brush (or a spoon) to brush both sides of the eggplant slices with sauce. Arrange in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet(s) and sprinkle with more [freshly cracked black pepper].

Bake for 25-30 minutes, then flip eggplant slices over, and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes (or longer if slices are thicker) or until the eggplant is deep red in color, appears dry, and is slightly crispy. If browning too much, but not crispy, reduce temperature and bake longer to dehydrate (this likely means the slices were too thick). Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. It will crisp up the more it cools. Start 25m timer

Use immediately on things such as on sandwiches, in salads, or alongside or mixed into a tofu scramble.

Once cooled, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. To reheat, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little [oil] of choice, then heat bacon on both sides until warmed (be careful not to burn).