Awesome Sandwich

This sandwich is hearty and satisfying.  Tender, tasty warm tempeh with smooth avocado and crispy lettuce on fresh bread makes for a fabulous lunch.  The tempeh is delicious on its own too and if you cut it in larger slabs be great on the grill.

Spicy Tempeh Avocado Sandwich
If you cook the entire  package of tempeh you'll have enough tempeh for about four sandwiches.  The spice levels below result in a mild spiciness level.  Double chipotle and chili powder if you want it very spicy.  You can find chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in most grocery stores in a small can in the Mexican foods section.

1 package of tempeh
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice or apple cider vinegar
1 heaping tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce*
1 tablespoon chili powder*
1 tablespoon cumin powder
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
Generous splash water

Olive oil
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced
Salt

Cut the tempeh into 8 equal squares, then cut each square in half by thickness so there are 16 thin squares.  Whisk all the marinade ingredients (the lime juice thru the splash of water) together in a tupperware and put in the tempeh.  Close the container and shake to coat the tempeh.  Marinade at least five hours and preferably overnight; shake the container a few times.

When ready to cook, heat a small amount of olive oil and a few tablespoons of the marinade in a skillet just large enough to fit the tempeh pieces without overlapping.  Once very hot, add the tempeh pieces and cook on medium heat for about five minutes or more-- until the liquid is absorbed and the tempeh browned.  Flip the tempeh and add a few more tablespoons of the marinade and cook the same way on the second side.  Once both sides are browned add a good quarter cup or so of the marinade and stir the tempeh to deglaze the pan, allow the tempeh to absorb this final amount of marinade.

While the tempeh is cooking, mash the avocado with the lime juice and a few shakes of salt.  Spread a large spoonful of avocado on a piece of bread, add a few pieces of lettuce and then a layer of warm tempeh pieces.  Top with another piece of bread and enjoy!