Seitan - Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with seitan.

Yesterday, tempeh, today seitan, another one of those how do I work with this? items. These six recipes, including Seitan Satay with Peanut Sauce and Radical Reuben, can help get you started. Enjoy!

SEITAN MEATBALLS WITH WINTER TOMATO SAUCE

This one is from the January 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “These 'meatballs' are perfect with pasta, but they're also tasty in a sandwich.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Winter Tomato Sauce

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes

3 Tbs. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)

2 tsp. dried basil

Seitan Meatballs

1 16-oz. pkg. seitan

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

3 Tbs. olive oil, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)

1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1/8 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. egg replacer powder

16 oz. whole-wheat pasta

Directions

To make Winter Tomato Sauce:

Simmer all ingredients in partially covered saucepan 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

To make Seitan Meatballs:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Blend seitan in food processor until crumbly. Add pecans, and pulse until combined.

Transfer to bowl. Stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, 1 Tbs. oil, garlic, soy sauce and oregano. Whisk egg replacer with 1/4 cup water until frothy. Fold egg replacer into seitan mixture.

Shape mixture into 18 balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, and brush with 1 Tbs. remaining oil. Bake 20 minutes, turning once, or until crusty and lightly browned. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and divide among serving bowls. Top with sauce and meatballs, and serve.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 575; Protein: 34 g; Total Fat: 21 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 68 g; Sodium: 418 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan

SEITAN SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE

This one is from the October 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Spicy peanut sauce and lemon wedges add flavor to this vegan version of an Indonesian favorite. The recipe here calls for cooking the skewered seitan in the oven after marinating, but feel free to pan-fry or barbecue.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Seitan Satay

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 lb. seitan, drained and cut into chunks

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and quartered lengthwise

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 Tbs. tahini

2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1 tsp. hot sesame oil

1 tsp. minced fresh ginger

Directions

To make Seitan Satay:

Soak 8 wood skewers in water 30 minutes. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in resealable plastic bag. Add seitan; seal, and shake to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Drain seitan chunks, and thread onto skewers. Place skewers on prepared baking sheet, and bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until seitan is browned and firm.

Meanwhile, make Peanut Sauce:

Blend all ingredients and 1/2 cup water in blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and transfer to serving bowl.

To serve: Place cucumber quarters on serving plates. Set skewers on top. Garnish with lemon wedges, and pass Peanut Sauce for dipping.

nutritional information per serving: Calories: 223; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 13.5 g; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 276 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan

ULTIMATE VEGAN CHILI

This recipe, from the February 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 51, begins, “This chili is made with a base of seitan and mushrooms for a rich, thick dish that is, for lack of a better word, meaty! In lieu of chili beans such as Bush's Best Chili Beans, you can substitute or 1 can each black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, partially drained. If you like your chili three-alarm hot, add an extra chipotle chile or two.” Serves 8.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/ultimate-vegan-chili/

Ingredients

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced

8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2 8-oz. pkgs. seitan, chopped (3 cups)

3 Tbs. tomato paste

2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

3/4 tsp. celery salt

3 15-oz. cans chili beans, partially drained

1 cup chopped carrots (2 to 3 large carrots)

2 Tbs. low-sodium tamari or soy sauce

1 Tbs. vegan Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 7 to 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown, stirring often. Add garlic and chipotle chile, and sauté 1 minute more. Stir in mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add seitan, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, chili powder, celery salt, and 1 cup water; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add beans, carrots, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 hour, or until carrots are tender.

nutritional information Per 1-cup Serving: Calories: 276; Protein: 24 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 844 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan

GLAZED SEITAN STIR-FRY

This is from page 75 of the January 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Have all ingredients chopped and ready, and keep them in constant motion over high heat while cooking so they get crisp on the outside and stay tender inside.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/glazed-seitan-stir-fry-2/.

Ingredients

Glazed Seitan

3 Tbs. maple syrup

3 Tbs. orange juice

1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1 12-oz. pkg. seitan, shredded

Stir-Fry

3/4 cup cashews

1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. sesame oil

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips (about 1 cup)

1 cup frozen shelled edamame

1 Tbs. minced ginger

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

6 Tbs. orange juice

1 Tbs. arrowroot powder

Directions

To make Glazed Seitan: Combine syrup, juice, and soy sauce in small bowl.

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add seitan, and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until golden. Add maple syrup mixture, and simmer 3 minutes, or until seitan is coated with glaze. Transfer to bowl. Wipe out skillet.

To make Stir-Fry: Toast cashews in dry skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Transfer to bowl. Heat 1 Tbs. sesame oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and edamame, and stir-fry 2 minutes.

Move vegetables to sides of skillet, and pour remaining 1 tsp. oil in center. Add ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and stir-fry 1 minute. Stir in 2 Tbs. water, Glazed Seitan, and cashews. Cover, and cook 2 minutes, or until pepper is tender.

Combine orange juice and arrowroot powder. Stir into vegetable mixture. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat, and serve.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 421; Protein: 32 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 346 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 15 g; Vegan

RADICAL REUBEN

One of the things I missed when I became a vegetarian was having the occasional Reuben sandwich. Now I don't have to do without! This yummy recipe is from the June 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe was a winner in our 2008 Restaurant Poll, and is a popular sandwich at Chicago Diner in Chicago, Illinois. We were impressed by its innovative use of beet and pickle juices to turn seitan into a tangy substitute for corned beef. Can't find beet juice? Purée a 15-ounce can of beets and use it for the marinade.” Serves 4.

To view this yumminess (oops, I mean recipe), go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/radical-reuben/.

Ingredients

1 lb. seitan, thinly sliced

1 cup pickle juice

1/2 cup beet juice or beet borscht

1 tsp. pickling spice

3/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 cup soy mayonnaise

3 Tbs. ketchup

2 Tbs. finely chopped pickles

8 slices rye bread

4 slices Swiss or soy cheese

Sauerkraut, for garnish

Directions

To make Seitan: Place seitan in baking dish. Bring pickle juice, beet juice, pickling spice, garlic powder, pepper, and 1 cup water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes. Strain marinade, and pour over sliced seitan. Cover and cool. Chill overnight.

To make Reuben Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.

To make Sandwiches: Preheat oven to broil. Set bread slices on baking sheet. Top 4 bread slices with drained Seitan and cheese. Broil 5 to 7 minutes, or until Seitan is hot and cheese is melted. Transfer Seitan-topped bread slices to serving plates, and garnish with sauerkraut. Spread remaining 4 bread slices with Reuben Sauce, and place on top of Sandwiches.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 472; Protein: 45 g; Total Fat: 15.5 g; Saturated Fat: 6.5 g; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Cholesterol: 26 mg; Sodium: 807 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 6 g

SEITAN AND GUINNESS STEW

Jolinda Hackett wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, she wrote, “Beef and Guinness stew, an Irish pub favorite, gets a vegetarian makeover in this recipe, using seitan instead of beef to absorb all that rich stout flavor. Yum! The flavor of the beer is very strong in this recipe, so I've suggest using half the amount of Guinness and adding an equal amount of vegetable broth if you aren't a Guinness fan.”

Note: When Jolinda wrote for about.com (before it became dotdash, which the Spruce is part of), this recipe was called Vegetarian "Beef" and Guinness Stew.

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

Approx 14 oz seitan, cut into thin strips

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp steak sauce

3 tbsp butter or margarine

1 onion, diced

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 medium potatoes chopped into 1 inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 12 oz bottles Guinness Stout OR 1 bottle plus 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

2 tbsp flour

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Saute seitan in olive oil and soy sauce until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat, add steak sauce and stir until seitan is lightly coated. Remove from heat and aside. In a large pot, sautee onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and garlic in butter or margarine for 3-5 minutes, or until onions are slightly soft. Reduce heat and slowly add Guinness, gently stirring to combine. Add flour, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper and stir well. Add seitan and allow stew to simmer until Guinness reduces and stew thickens, about 40-50 minutes.

Add more salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's vegetarian tacos (yes, as in meatless tacos!) are sure to please, and include Mushroom Chicharrón Tacos and Soft Veggie Tacos with Jack Cheese. Enjoy!

VEGETARIAN TACOS WITH AVOCADO SAUCE

This comes from Jeanine and Jack on their wonderful site, Love & Lemons.

This recipe begins, "These easy vegetarian tacos are filled with black beans, roasted vegetables, and a delicious creamy avocado tomatillo sauce. Feel free to use any roasted vegetables you like here. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, poblano peppers, and/or roasted onions would all be great."

Serves 2-3

To view this online, go to https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetarian-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-46265.

Ingredients

1 small Japanese eggplant, chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 cup chopped summer squash

1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

6 tortillas

1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed

1 avocados, diced

chopped cilantro

1 serrano pepper, sliced, optional

crumbled cotija cheese, optional

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Avocado Tomatillo Sauce

1/3 cup tomatillo salsa

1/4 cup pepitas

1/2 avocado

handful of spinach

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

lime juice, to taste

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped eggplant, squash, red pepper and tomatoes onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and roast until golden brown around the edges 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a food processor, blend together the tomatillo salsa, pepitas, avocado, spinach, olive oil, lime juice and pinches of salt and pepper, to taste. Chill until ready to use.

Assemble the tacos with the black beans, roasted vegetables, diced avocado, cilantro, serrano, and cotija, if using, and generous scoops of sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Store extra sauce in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

MUSHROOM CHICHARRON TACOS

This some from Jocelyn Ramirez in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Jocelyn wrote, "This simple recipe calls for pan-searing meaty oyster mushrooms so they become as perfectly crispy and golden as chicharrón. Paired with fresh pico de gallo, these mushrooms feel satisfying with their natural umami savoriness. This quick dish tastes like juicy carniceria tacos that balance the richness of fried meat with the acidic punch of salsa."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 40 minutes

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022424-mushroom-chicharron-tacos.

Ingredients

For the Pico de Gallo:

1 large beefsteak tomato, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 large ripe Hass avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 jalapeños, stemmed and finely chopped (seeded if desired)

1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)

Coarse kosher salt

For the Mushroom Tacos:

18 ounces oyster mushrooms (from 2 to 3 medium clusters)

1/3 cup neutral oil, such as canola

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

Black pepper

12 corn tortillas

Preparatioin

Make the pico de gallo: Combine the tomato, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice in a bowl and season with salt. Gently fold together. Set aside to allow flavors to marry while the mushrooms cook.

Make the tacos: Tear the oyster mushrooms into bite-size pieces, leaving some mushroom tops whole. To make sure the mushrooms become crisp, cook in two batches: Heat a large cast iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high and coat with half of the oil. Once the oil is hot, add half of the mushrooms in a single layer without crowding the skillet. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the remaining oil and mushrooms. Return the first batch to the skillet, and add the cumin and salt, and season with pepper. Stir well, then remove from the heat.

While the mushrooms are cooking, warm the tortillas on a comal or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until soft and pliable. Wrap them in a dish towel to keep them warm until ready to serve. Divide the mushrooms and pico de gallo among the warm tortillas. Serve immediately.

JACKFRUIT VEGAN TACOS

This is from Cassidy Carolino at AllRecipes. She wrote, "Jackfruit is a great vegan alternative to shredded chicken to use in tacos. These jackfruit tacos are delicious and vegan! Choose your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cilantro, avocado, vegan cheese, and vegan sour cream."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 3 minutes; Total Time: 13 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/258806/jackfruit-vegan-tacos/.

Ingredients

2 (20 ounce) cans jackfruit in brine - drained, rinsed, and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon water, or more as needed

2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix, or to taste

4 taco shells

1/2 cup salsa, or to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add jackfruit; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon water and taco seasoning; stir until well combined, about 1 minute. Add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed.

Place a small amount of jackfruit in each taco shell; add 2 tablespoons salsa.

VEGETARIAN BUFFALO CHICKPEA QUESADILLAS

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy this vegetarian take on fan-favorite, Buffalo chicken wings! This chickpea quesadilla recipe layers chickpeas, hot sauce, cheese, green onions and tomatoes into a folded tortilla to create Vegetarian Buffalo Chickpea Quesadillas. Don't forget to serve with Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce on the side!"

Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/vegetarian-buffalo-chickpeas-quesadillas.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1 cup chopped onions

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (15 to 15.5 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed

1/4 cup original cayenne pepper sauce

4 Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas For Burritos (8 inch)

1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)

1/2 cup chopped green onions (8 medium)

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)

Preparation

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Add chickpeas; continue to cook 4 to 6 minutes or until vegetables and chickpeas begin to brown. Remove from heat. Add hot sauce; roughly mash chickpeas with fork, leaving some whole.

On half of each tortilla, layer about 1/4 cup of the chickpea mixture, 1/4 cup cheese, 2 tablespoons green onions and 2 tablespoons tomatoes. Fold tortillas in half. Brush top of each quesadilla with about 1/4 teaspoon of the oil.

Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 quesadillas in skillet, oil side down; brush top side with about 1/4 teaspoon of the oil. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully turn quesadillas; cook 1 to 2 minutes longer or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining quesadillas.

Cut each quesadilla in half; serve with zesty ranch sauce on the side.

Expert Tips

Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Dial up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños to the chickpea quesadilla filling, along with the green onions and tomatoes.

This Buffalo chickpea quesadilla is hearty enough to serve on its own, but for a bit of added crunch, try serving with a side of tortilla chips.

This recipe uses Frank's™ RedHot™ original sauce, but you're welcome to use another variety of hot sauce.

Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 3 1/2 Fat

Carbohydrate Choices: 2

SOFT VEGGIE TACOS WITH JACK CHEESE

This is from the November/December 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 41), and begins, "Red chile sauce, a spicy Mexican condiment served on enchiladas, heats up zucchini, yellow squash and cauliflower in this recipe." Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/soft-veggie-tacos-with-jack-cheese/.

Ingredients

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 onion, thinly sliced (1 cup)

4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 tsp.)

5 cups cauliflower florets (from 1 large head)

2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch rounds (about 9 oz.)

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds (9 oz.)

2 cups canned medium red chile sauce, such as Las Palmas

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 3 oz.)

12 4-inch corn tortillas or 6 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas, warmed

Preparation

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 4 minutes, or until soft. Stir in garlic. Add cauliflower, yellow squash and zucchini. Sauté 2 minutes. Add chile sauce; bring to a simmer.

Cover, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro, and add cheese. Spoon mixture into warmed tortillas, and serve.

SPICY PUMPKIN BURRITOS

This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “Try this hearty vegetarian burrito using seasonal Fall vegetables.”

Servings: 8; Serving Size: 1 burrito

To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/spicy-pumpkin-burritos

Ingredients

1 tsp. olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn

15.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added black beans (drained, rinsed)

15 oz. canned solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling)

1 cup cooked brown rice, cooked without salt and margarine

1/4 cup water

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chile powder (made with ancho chiles preferred)

1/2 tsp. dried oregano (crumbled)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

8 8-inch low-fat whole-grain tortillas, lowest sodium available

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

1/2 cup shredded lettuce, such as romaine, or spinach

1/2 cup chopped tomato

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the corn for 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the beans, pumpkin, rice, water, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Warm the tortillas using the package directions.

Spoon the filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle the green onions over the filling. For each burrito, fold two sides of the tortilla toward the center. Starting from the unfolded side closest to you, roll the burrito toward the remaining unfolded side to enclose the filling. Transfer with the seam side down to plates. Top with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the lettuce and tomato.