Vegan Roast (Seitan)

Protein-rich vegan seitan roast kneaded from vital wheat gluten and a flavorful blend. Dense and meaty, it’s an easy festive centerpiece for holiday feasts.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings serves

Calories 302kcal

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

1½ cups vital wheat gluten approx. 216 g
½ tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp onion powder
¼ cup nutritional yeast approx. 15 g
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup vegan beef broth
14.1 oz chickpeas 1 can; drained; approx. 400 g drained
¼ cup beets canned, drained; approx. 60 g drained
2 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard plus ½ Tbsp more for glaze
1 tbsp white miso paste
½ tbsp soy sauce

Glaze:

¼ cup maple syrup
1 tbsp golden syrup or brown-rice syrup
½ tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp vegan beef broth
12 whole whole cloves for studding (optional garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, nutritional yeast, and ground cloves.
In a blender, combine vegan beef broth, drained chickpeas, drained beets, minced garlic, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, miso paste, and soy sauce. Blend until completely smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes—gluten strands will begin to firm up.
Shape dough into a 9×5″ (23×13 cm) loaf. Wrap tightly in two layers of aluminum foil, twisting ends to seal. Place in a steamer basket over simmering water, cover, and steam 30 minutes. Flip and steam another 30 minutes (1 hour total).
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Unwrap loaf and score top in a cross-hatch. Stud intersections with whole cloves if desired. Whisk together maple syrup, golden syrup, ½ Tbsp Dijon, and 1 Tbsp broth in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth.
Place loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with glaze, roast 30 minutes, brushing again at 10 and 20 minutes. After removing from oven, give one final brush of glaze.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve just like a holiday roast.

Nutrition