Seitan Marengo

Seitan stars in another vegetarian version of a classic and much-loved European stew, this time from France. Though traditionally served with toasted crusty bread, it’s delectable served over linguine or fettuccine pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.

20 oz (565 g) seitan, cut into 2 x 1 in (5 x 2.5 cm) pieces
2 Tbsp (30 mL) whole wheat pastry flour
3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium onions, coarsely diced
2 cups (500 mL) low-sodium vegetarian broth
3/4 cup (180 mL) dry white wine (can be nonalcoholic) or white vermouth
1 Tbsp (15 mL) salt-free tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme
12 oz (340 g) button or crimini mushrooms
1/4 cup (60 mL) pitted kalamata olives, drained and cut in half lengthwise
1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In shallow bowl, toss seitan pieces in flour to coat.

Heat 2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil in large, heavy pot over high heat and add seitan. Stir-fry seitan until golden all over. Remove from pot.

Add onions to remaining oil in pot. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until onions begin to soften, about 5 or 6 minutes, adding sprinkles of water to keep onions from sticking or burning. Add broth, wine, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Return seitan to pot. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

In large, heavy skillet heat remaining 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil over high heat. Add mushrooms, sprinkle lightly with salt. Stir-fry until they start to exude their liquid. Immediately add to pot with stew.

Add olives and parsley to stew and taste for salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Serves 6.

Each serving contains: 380 calories; 22 g protein; 10 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 trans fat); 50 g carbohydrates; 8 g fibre; 450 mg sodium

source: "Seitan", alive  #358, September 2012