Seitan Can Take Place Of Meat In Recipes

Seitan, also called wheat meat or wheat gluten, is a very concentrated source of protein that is low in fat and contains no cholesterol.

This nutritious meat alternative is made by poaching gluten, a protein extracted from wheat flour, in a flavored broth. The finished product is chewy and has the texture of roast beef. The flavor is fairly bland, but seitan absorbs the flavor of any ingredients cooked with it (or you can buy a chicken-flavored variety).

Seitan can be sliced, diced or ground. I really enjoy it sliced thinly and sauteed with onions, mushrooms and peppers. It also works well in stews and sauces. It can be ground and cooked in a Bolognese-like sauce to be served over pasta.

You’ll find it in natural food stores either frozen or jarred in broth, at about $3 a pound. Seitan will keep in your refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for several months.