03.29.10

Lunch-Fried Chik'n Seitan Sandwiches w/ Vegan Ranch Dressing

Fried Chik'n Seitan from Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia C. Simpson(some things have been changed because I've found easier ways to make this)

First, you have to make and cook the seitan.
Seitan:
1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup flour
1/2 water

Combine the wheat gluten and flour in a small bowl then stir in water until it forms a ball. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for a little less than a minute and flatten to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shape (strips, nuggets, "breast", etc.). If your seitan is not over-kneaded, then in the cooking process it will double in size.

Broth:
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos (can use soy sauce)
1 teaspoon onion power
1 heaping teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Put all broth ingredients into a medium stockpot and bring to a boil. Add the seitan one piece at a time, being careful not to splash the hot broth. Reduce heat and cover. Cook on one side for 10-15 minutes, then flip and do the same to the other side.

To fry the seitan:
After you let the seitan cool for about 20 minutes, it's time to fry it. In a medium size frying pan, heat up oil (have the oil go about 1/2 inch up the pan). In a bowl, put about a 1/2 cup or so of soy milk. In another bowl, mix a considerable amount of flour with any spices of your choosing (I usually use garlic power, onion power, salt&pepper, paprika, and cajun seasoning). First place the seitan in the flour mixture, then transfer it to the soy milk, and then back into the flour. Now place 2 pieces of seitan in the oil at a time. Fry on each side for 3-5 minutes, or until it's browned how you like it. Take out of the oil and soak the oil out of it.

Vegan Ranch Dressing from The Thirty Minute Vegan by Mark Reinfeld and Jennifer Murray

Dressing:
3/4 cup Vegenaise
6 tablespoons soy or rice milk
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons minced green onion, white part only
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne
1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley

Blend all of the ingredients except the parsley, until creamy. Pour into a small bowl. Add the parsley, stir well, and enjoy.

The sandwich!
-Any bread of your choosing
-A piece or two of seitan
-Ranch spread on the bread
-Tomato
-Romaine lettuce