Seitan - Minced Meat (Asian & Western Style)

 

Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, and is a protein with a terrific texture. Although this is well-stocked in vegetarian grocery stores, I would like to give it a shot because homemade seitan is preservative-free and definitely more budget friendly.

It is surprisingly quite simple! The long simmering of the broth imparts a wonderful depth of flavour to seitan. Store these in you fridge for quick meals with your porridge and soup noodles any time! Well, though this is good whole wheat gluten, it is recommended to eat in moderation since it is still gluten. It applies for all food. Use all-spice powder if you are making the western minced meat, and Chinese 5 spice powder for the Chinese style.
 

Ingredients

Broth
 2 tsp canola oil
 4 spring onions, roughly chopped
 2 dried chilli, chopped
 2 garlic cloves, crushed
 1500ml water

 1 Tbsp soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos

Seitan

 115g vital wheat gluten  
 1 tsp all-spice powder or Chinese 5 spice powder 
 1/2 tsp cayenne or chilli powder 

 250ml water

 2 Tbsp soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos

 1 tsp sesame oil

 

Method

For the Broth:

1. Heat oil in a medium pot and sauté spring onions, dried chilli and garlic until aromatic.

2. Add 1500ml water, soy sauce and bring to boil, and reduce to simmer. Partially cover and simmer while you prepare the seitan.

For Seitan:

1. In a huge and wide mixing bow, whisk together vital wheat gluten, all-spices and cayenne powder.

 

2. In a separate bowl, combine 250ml water, soy sauce and sesame oil.

 

3. Add wet ingredients to the dry, mixing with a spatula until combined. The mixture will be stiff and rubbery. Do not worry about the excess liquid in the mixing bowl.

 

4. In the mixing bowl, knead for 2 minutes. Set aside for 10 minutes and knead for another 1 minute.

 

5. Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Gently stretch each piece with your hands.

 

6. Add the seitan pieces to the broth, partially cover the pot and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, turning occasionally until it is firm and has fully expanded. The seitan will expand a lot, so add more water if necessary .

 

7. Turn the heat off, take the lid off and let sit for 15 minutes or until ready to use. Remove from broth and use as desired.

 

The dough after kneading.
Ok.. I know this does not look appealing, but I upload this
so that you know you are on the right track!



After simmering for about 20 minutes.

Notes

☼ Seitan can be made in advance and kept in water or cooking liquid for 1 week in fridge, or up to 3 months in freezer. If refrigerating, change the water every 2 days.

   

Hearty Brown Rice Porridge with Minced 'Pork'
Click for recipe



100% Whole Wheat Pizza Crust (Bread Maker Machine)

Pizza dough made easy in the bread machine! Basically the dough program in the bread maker machine replaces the tedious hand kneading of dough and at the same time provide a warmer temperature for the dough to double in size with the presence of yeast, the dough program usually takes about 1 hour depending on your bread maker machine.

Fluffy crusty pizza at home? Anytime! Baking with 100% whole wheat flour is not only a healthier option, it also give a aromatic nutty texture. Homemade pizza is really not that difficult, making the crust is easier than it seems especially with bread machine. After knowing how to make pizza at home, i shamelessly think that my pizza is comparable to those in restaurants, now i can create any pizza toppings i like!

Make 15 inch pizza
 

Ingredients

 2½ cup whole wheat flour

 2½ Tbsp vital wheat gluten

 1 cup or 240ml water, room temperature

 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive Oil

 1 tsp sea salt

 1 Tbsp sugar 

 1 tsp active dry yeast 
 1 tsp cumin seeds (optional)

 

Method

1. Sift flour and vital wheat gluten together.
 

2. Add the water and olive oil to the bread pan, then add mixed flour. Add sea salt and sugar, then lastly the dry yeast. Do not let the yeast touches the liquid or salt until the mixing commences, because this will kill the yeast. Or simply add all ingredients in the order suggested by your bread machine manual and program the dough cycle according to the manufacturer’s directions.

3. Add the cumin seeds when the dough is formed or after 30 minutes.

4. When the dough cycle ends, remove the dough from the machine.
 

5. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough until it is less than 6mm thick. A large pizza will be about 15 inches in diameter with thinner crust, the medium pizza will be about 10 inches with a thicker crust.
 

6. Transfer dough onto greased pizza pan. Let it proof for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 230℃.

7. Spread sauce over and top with half of the cheese, then spread with your favourite toppings. Lastly, cover with balanced cheese. Read more on ideas for veggie toppings.

8. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and cooked through.

9. Season with TABASCO® sauce for some kick. Slice the pizza, serve immediately!