Vegan Beefy Beefless Seitan

1 cup hot water [237ml]

1/2 cup cooked kidney beans, rinsed and well-drained [75g]

1 cube mushroom bouillon (or 1 teaspoon powder) [5cc]

1 teaspoon minced garlic [5cc]

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar [15ml]

1 teaspoon marmite (see notes for substitutions) [5ml]

1 teaspoon onion powder [5cc]

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper [1.25cc]

1 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten (gluten flour), plus more if needed [140g]

Blend all ingredients together except the vital wheat gluten. You want the ingredients to be fairly smoothly pureed. It's OK to leave some texture in though.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the liquid with the vital wheat gluten.

Stir together until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for one minute. Do not overknead. You should see the gluten strands develop and the dough should be firm and spring back easily. It should be dense and stiff; add more gluten flour if needed. See this video for a demonstration.

Set up your steaming apparatus. Heat the water to a boil and oil the steaming basket so that the seitan doesn't stick. Place the seitan into the steamer, cover and steam over high heat for one hour. Do not let the water boil dry; check it regularly and add water if necessary.

After one hour, remove the seitan and let it cool before slicing into cubes.

This seitan can be used immediately, but the texture can be improved by searing the cubes on all sides, especially if using for stew.

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium high heat. When the oil is simmering, add the cubes. Cook until the bottom is brown, about thirty seconds, then turn the cubes and repeat until all the sides are nicely browned and a bit crispy.

Serve immediately, use for other dishes, or cool and store in the freezer or fridge for later use.

Notes

After steaming, you can cool and store the seitan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Frozen seitan will last for 2 to 3 months.

Instead of marmite, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce or 1 tablespoon of miso paste.

http://www.marystestkitchen.com/vegan-beefy-beefless-seitan/