People regularly ask me what we vegan folks eat. I think most people presume that we eat freaky stuff with weird names. Names like seitan*** (see below for a vegan pronunciation key). Have you ever tried seitan?
For those of you who are not in the loop seitan (also known as wheat meat) is a vegan "meat" made from wheat. Now before you start imagining crazy bespectacled vegan scientists electrocuting wheat and adding strange chemicals on stormy nights I should tell you that seitan is actually an ancient food. The Chinese first developed it in ancient times (I don't have an exact date I am not a food historian folks) and it was a delicacy reserved for the royals. So, if you want to feel like an ancient Chinese empress or maybe you just want something new to eat I highly recommend seitan.
If you are wondering about the taste it is a bit like chicken in texture and it picks up the flavors of whatever you are cooking. I really do love this vegan alternative to meat, also great for people who have soy allergies.
So, without further ado I give you a recipe that puts seitan to use.
Spanish Seitan and Rice- 1 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 package of seitan, cut into 2 inch chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 c. white cooking wine
- 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (liquid and all)
- 1 c. white rice (cook according to instructions)
- 1 c. frozen peas
- 1/4 c. fresh flat leaf parsley
- 1/4 c. pimento stuffed Spanish olives
Heat the oil in a LARGE pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the seitan and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for a minute more. Add the wine, tomatoes (with liquid), rice and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil (add a bit of water if the liquid cooks off too fast), reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 15 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 2-5 more minutes. Spoon onto individual plates and garnish with parsley and olives.
Vegan Vocab. (Just a few words that people often ask about)
***Eating vegan is one thing, pronouncing it is another thing altogether. Here are a few words that many have difficulty pronouncing (so you won't be scared to ask for it at the store). Not necessarily related to the recipe above.
seitan-(pronounced say-tan)vegan meat alternative, often used in place of chicken. Protein rich
vegan- (pronounced vee-gun) one who eats/wears/uses only products that are free of animal products and testing
tempeh- (pronounced temp-ay) an Indonesian soy based meat analogue. Has a somewhat nutty flavor, used in everything from stirfry to sandwiches. High in complete protein.
quinoa-(pronounced keen-wah) a grain like crop that is known for it's edible seeds. Often used in dishes that call for a grain or a grain accompaniment. High in protein.
Any vegan vocab questions? I'd be happy to answer them
