Delicious Wild Irish Seitan Stew Recipe You Can’t Resist
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am thrilled to share with you my delicious Wild Irish Seitan Stew Recipe. This vegan twist on a traditional Irish stew is hearty, savory, and packed with flavor.
Not only is this recipe perfect for vegans or vegetarians, but it is also an excellent option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste or texture. The secret ingredient here is seitan – a high-protein meat substitute made from wheat gluten that closely resembles beef in its texture and flavor.
This Wild Irish Seitan Stew Recipe is a perfect comfort food for any time of the year. It features tender chunks of seitan, tender potatoes, hearty kale, savory mushrooms, and a range of other vegetables in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, thyme, and red wine. The result is a filling stew that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Whether you’re enjoying this dish on a cold winter evening, preparing it for St. Patrick’s Day celebration or just seeking some delicious vegan goodness, you are sure to love this recipe. So let’s get started and create some culinary magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for hearty and flavorful comfort food that is not only satisfying but also vegan-friendly. Look no further, because My Wild Irish Seitan Stew Recipe is exactly what you need in your life.
First, let’s talk about seitan, the star ingredient of this recipe. Seitan is a protein-packed plant-based meat substitute made from wheat gluten, and it has a chewy texture that mimics animal protein. Not only is it a great source of protein, but it’s also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Now let’s move on to the other ingredients that make this stew so irresistible. We have tender potatoes and carrots that soak up all the savory flavors of the stew, along with celery and mushrooms that add texture and depth. Don’t forget about the leafy green superstar – kale – which adds a pop of color and nutrition to this dish.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its robust blend of spices and herbs. The combination of bay leaves, dried thyme, and tamari (or soy sauce) creates an earthy umami flavor that will have you scraping every last drop from your bowl.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile! It can be served as a classic Irish stew, or you can switch things up by adding Guinness for a richer flavor. For those who prefer lamb or beef stews, simply swap out the seitan for their respective meats.
So whether you’re vegan or not – this Wild Irish Seitan Stew recipe will satisfy any craving for traditional comfort food with flavors that are truly out of this world.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious Wild Irish Seitan Stew:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 8 ounces of white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups of kale leaves, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce
- 1 cup of dry red wine
- 4 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons of water to make a slurry
- 1 pound of seitan, cut into bite-sized chunks
Note: For a vegan version, use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. And for gluten-free version, use gluten-free seitan or substitute with chickpeas or lentils.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of the necessary ingredients for our wild Irish seitan stew, let’s get started. This recipe involves several steps, including preparing and cooking the seitan and vegetables, preparing the broth, and combining everything into a delicious stew. But don’t worry – it’s a straightforward process.
Prepare the Seitan and Vegetables
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Take 2 cups of seitan pieces and place them in a bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, mix together ½ cup of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour this mixture over the seitan pieces and toss until evenly coated.
3 .Heat a large stew pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat (level 6-7). Add half an avocado oil and let it heat up until shimmering.
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Add the prepared seitan to the pot, stirring occasionally until it is golden brown on all sides (about 4 minutes)
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Remove the seitan from the pot and set it aside.
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In the same pot, add another tablespoon of avocado oil and heat it up.
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Once hot, add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped celery sticks, and cook until softened for about 5 minutes.
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Add 2 peeled and cubed potatoes, 2 peeled and chopped carrots, and 3 minced garlic cloves (you can adjust the amount based on your preference).
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Cook everything for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
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Add back in the cooked seitan to the pot along with 5 ounces of sliced white mushrooms and cook for an additional minute or so.
Prepare the Broth
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Pour in a generous splash of tamari sauce (about 1 tablespoon) followed by ¼ cup of dry red wine.
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Add in two bay leaves, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and 4 cups of vegetable broth.
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Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to low heat (level 3-4) and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Combine Everything Into a Stew
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Once the vegetables are tender, add in some chopped kale leaves (about 2 cups).
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Allow everything to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the kale is wilted and cooked to your preference.
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Serve with some freshly baked bread or as is. Enjoy your vegan wild Irish seitan stew!
Note: If you don’t like chopped kale, you can substitute it with any greens of your choice.
Substitutions and Variations
There are several ways to put your own spin on this Wild Irish Seitan Stew recipe. Below are some substitutions and variations you can make to create a stew that suits your taste buds:
– Instead of seitan, you can use beefless tips or another vegan meat substitute.
– If you prefer a different green vegetable instead of kale, try collard greens or spinach.
– White mushrooms can be substituted with any other type of mushroom, such as cremini or shiitake.
– Tamari sauce can be replaced with soy sauce or coconut aminos.
– Bay leaves can be omitted if you don’t have them on hand.
– Dry red wine is optional; however, if you decide to use it, ensure it is vegan.
– If you prefer a sweeter stew, add chopped root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
– For a gluten-free option, replace the cornstarch with arrowroot or another gluten-free thickener.
– This stew recipe also works well with Guinness or lamb instead of beef.
Whether you choose to stick with the classic recipe, add your preferred twist or replace some ingredients, experimenting with flavours and ingredients is what makes cooking fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this Wild Irish Seitan Stew uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
After simmering on the stove, this wild Irish seitan stew is ready to be served and pair with a variety of dishes. I recommend ladling it into hearty bowls and garnishing with some chopped parsley for color and freshness. This stew pairs beautifully with a crusty bread roll, perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with some steamed rice or couscous for some added texture.
If you crave something more substantial, mashed potatoes or creamy cauliflower puree can serve as the perfect side dish that brings out the earthy complexity of this hearty meal. Additionally, enjoy this dish with a robust red wine or a pint of dark Guinness stout – they both compliment the rich flavors in the stew deliciously well.
As an alternative to traditional Irish stew recipes that call for lamb or beef, this vegan wild Irish seitan stew is also an excellent option to share with your non-meat eating friends. It’s filling, flavorful, and even appeals to those carnivores looking for a meatless meal. So grab a bowl, curl up on the couch, and savor every spoonful of this delicious vegan Irish stew.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this Wild Irish Seitan Stew ahead of time is definitely an option, and can save you some precious cooking time on the day of serving. Once you’ve prepared it, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply take the stew out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer it into a large pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If your stew is still frozen, you may thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
It’s important to not overheat your stew though. Keep an eye on your stove and stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
If you find that your stew has thickened a bit during refrigeration, mix equal parts of cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly add the mixture into the pot while stirring, until desired thickness is reached.
Remember that repeated reheating may affect texture and flavor. Leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours from reheating. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I know a thing or two about making the perfect stew. Here are some tips that will help you make the perfect wild Irish seitan stew recipe every time.
1. Choosing the right seitan
Using high-quality seitan is essential for this recipe. Choose seitan with a firm texture and no added flavors. You can make your own seitan at home or buy it from a local health food store.
2. Letting it simmer
The longer you let this stew simmer on the stove, the richer the flavors will become. Aim to simmer for at least 2-3 hours, but you can let it cook for up to 5 hours if you have the time.
3. Deglazing the pan
Once you’ve browned your seitan and vegetables in the Dutch oven, don’t forget to deglaze the pan with a splash of dry red wine. This will help to lift all of those flavorful bits off of the bottom of the pot, adding depth and complexity to your stew.
4. Don’t overcook the kale
Kale is a nutritious and delicious addition to this stew, but it can quickly turn soggy if overcooked. To prevent this, add the kale towards the end of cooking time – about 10-15 minutes before serving.
5. Thickening with cornstarch
Cornstarch is an excellent thickener for stews and sauces, but it should be added at the end of cooking time to avoid clumping. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water, then stir into your simmering stew until thickened.
6. Seasoning to taste
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process. Taste frequently and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
By following these tips, you’re sure to make a delicious wild Irish seitan stew that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Bottom Line
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So there you have it, my wild Irish seitan stew recipe that will satisfy your craving for a warm and hearty meal. This recipe is not only vegan-friendly but also packed with amazing flavors that can rival any traditional Irish beef stew out there.
Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat-eater, this recipe has something that will make you fall in love with it. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a delicious homemade meal that will not disappoint.
So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how amazing and versatile seitan can be? Your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you. And who knows, you might even find yourself making it again and again.
This wild Irish seitan stew is perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a cozy and comforting dish. So go ahead and make it your own by adding your favorite twist to it. You won’t regret it!
As an Irish chef specializing in British cuisine, I invite you to explore the wonders of this Irish seitan stew recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Cheers to good food and good times!
My Wild Irish Seitan Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 5 potatoes, cubed
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup tamari or 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 ounces seitan, chopped in bite size pieces
Instructions
- Heat oil in large stew pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes, carrots, garlic, stock, wine, bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add tamari, kale, muchrooms, thyme, salt and pepper, and cook until vegetables are tender, another 15 minutes or so.
- Optional: While stew simmers, brown seitan pieces in a small pan wit some olive oil just to get some color. Set aside.
- Stir together the cornstarch and water, add to pot and bring stew back up to a slow boil.
- Stir for about 1 minute until thickened.
- Add seitan, reduce heat and simmer gently for another 10 minutes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.