Wednesday, November 10, 2010

As promised...Hearty, Italian Inspired Seitan Stew



Italian Inspired Seitan Stew

about 1 1/2 lbs seitan cut into bite size pieces (recipe) store bought is fine but I love the flavor in the homemade
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup olive oil
large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced (with leaves)
2 good sized potatoes, diced
4 cups portabella mushrooms, chopped (cremini are also delicious)
1 cup peas
1 cup green beans, chopped
2 cups asparagus, chopped
4 cups fresh spinach
1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and cut into quarters
2 cups Burgundy
2 cups vegetable juice (v8 is not vegan R.W. Knudsen is)
4 cups water with 1 heaping tablespoon Better than Bouillon Vegetarian Base (or 4 cups of your favorite broth)
1 T parsley (more if you are using fresh)
2 t basil (more if you are using fresh)
1 t oregano (more if you are using fresh)
1 t thyme (more if you are using fresh)
2 bay leaves
1 t salt
1/4 t black pepper

This recipe can be made on the stove or crock pot. I made it most recently in the crock pot and think that will be my way of choice from now on.

Toss seitan with flour until well coated. A zip-lock bag works well for this. Heat half the oil in a frying pan over med-high heat. Add the seitan and brown, turning often. Throw seitan in to the crock-pot. Add remaining oil and add onions, garlic, celery and carrots. Saute them until they just start to brown, you want to bring out the wonderful sweetness of the vegetables, be sure to scrape all of the delicious yummies from the bottom of the pan. Add veggies to the seitan in the crock-pot. Add the rest of the ingredients and give it a stir. Set the pot on low and cook for about 8 to 10 hours.

Perfect for a weeknight meal when you have to be away from home all day! Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to sop up the juices. This stew is a crowd pleaser

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