Preparation Instructions:
Place ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon water in a medium mixing bowl. Add contents of 1 6-ounce package Harvest Direct Seitan Quick Mix and stir mixture with a metal spoon until dough is formed. With floured hands, knead to form a soft elastic dough (approximately 3-5 minutes) and shape into a 5" x 5" square or 2" diameter roll. For a softer texture, cut square or roll into thin strips (½-inch thick). For a firmer texture, leave as uncut square or roll.
In a 2 to 4-quart pot, bring 3 to 4 cups of broth (either the traditional broth below, or vegetarian chicken or beef broth) to boil. Add the Seitan to the broth, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45 - 60 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached. Add additional water or broth to keep the Seitan covered if the broth level gets low during the cooking process. Remove from heat, slice (if uncut square or roll), and serve or use in recipes. To store prepared Seitan, place Seitan in broth in a container (or it will dry out), cover, and refrigerate for up to one week.
Traditional Broth:
4 cups water
¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
½ teaspoon ginger powder, (or 6 (1/8-inch thick) ginger slices)
1 (6-inch) stick kombu (dried sea vegetable - optional)
½ tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a 2 to 4-quart pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil and use in above instructions.
Microwave Cooking Instructions: (45 minutes)
In a 4-quart saucepan (with lid), combine the water, tamari, ginger, kombu, and oil. Cover pan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Slice uncooked gluten log into 4 equal pieces and flatten each one until ½-inch thick. Gently place the slices in the simmering broth, then simmer covered for 30 minutes. Transfer slices to a microwave-safe baking dish and cover with broth. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap, then microwave on high heat for 7½ minutes. Remove dish from microwave, flip each slice over, then cover dish and microwave again on high heat for 7½ minutes. Remove dish from microwave.
Preparation Tips: