Anyone else make big old batches of seitan and use it in every damn thing?! I used to love me a peppery beef stew when I wasn’t vegan (I can’t believe I used to eat that stuff, ewwwww), so a substitute that’s earth-and-animal friendly was very much needed for when I moved over to the “green” side.
This recipe is brilliant to make on the weekend and take to work for lunches during the week (if it lasts that long), and also freezes really well. Another recipe where the flavours seem to get better when you leave it stewing in its own juices for a couple of days. You can also team this stew with a variety of carbs, as it would go well alongside mashed potatoes (potato overload!), quinoa, rice or just a thickly cut slice of fresh bread with vegan margarine.
Of course, you will need to make the seitan pieces ahead of time, but just pop them in the fridge and let them sit for a day or so. This will ensure they remain flavoursome and delicious when you add them to your stew.
Do play around with the recipe as well – no need to put both spuds and carrots in it if you don’t want to. Add some beans for a super protein kick, pop in some courgettes, peppers or aubergine, or you could even make some dumplings to add to the stew while it’s still cooking (excuse me while I drool a little…). The options for this recipe are endless, and it’s a good opportunity to add whatever is in the fridge that you need to use up.
Get onto this recipe when you can, and make sure you tag me on Instagram if you make it so I can see how awesome it is! Enjoy.
Ingredients
2 TBsp oil
2 seitan steaks (see my recipe from previous blog here)
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 small carrots (or one big one), sliced 1.5 cms thick
1 TBp dried mixed herbs (or a mix of thyme, rosemary, oregano)
salt and cracked pepper to taste
1/2 cup red wine (substitute for extra broth if you would prefer without)
1/2 tsp paprika
2 cups vegetable broth
1 TBsp tomato paste
400 grams potatoes, peeled and diced (about two large spuds, or 4-6 smaller spuds)
1 cup cooked pearl barley, per packet instructions (approx 1/2 cup uncooked – this should be made ahead of time, or while your stew is cooking)
2 TBsp plain flour
Method
Cut the seitan steaks into bite sized pieces. Heat a non-stick frying pan and add one of the tablespoons of oil to the pan. Once heated, add the seitan pieces and fry until sufficiently browned. Remove from the pan and set aside
Add the remainder of the oil to a large, lidded saucepan. Add the onions and fry on medium heat until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir.
After a minute or so, add the carrots, wine, herbs and paprika, and stir to combine. Bring to the boil, then simmer for a couple of minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
Add the broth and potatoes and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender (10 – 12 minutes, depending on the size of your diced potato).
Add the pearl barley, tomato paste and seitan, and stir to combine.
Mix the 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to a smooth paste. Add to the stew, while stirring continuously.
Leave to simmer for another 5 – 10 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve with crusty bread or alongside some rice and tenderstem broccoli.
This stew also freezes well – ensure the stew has fully cooled before transferring to a container and freezing.
Time to make: 5 minutes to prep the ingredients, 5 minutes to sear the seitan steaks, 40 minutes on the hob = 1 hour
On a scale of easy (1) to pull your hair out difficult (5) = 2, an easy one if you have all the ingredients and some pre-made seitan!
#nowplaying : Thom Yorke – Suspirium
