Seitan A La Normandie

This hearty Seitan A La Normandie transforms simple wheat gluten into a luxurious, meaty centerpiece. The seitan slices are first pan-fried for texture, then gently braised in a rich mixture of tamari, apple juice concentrate, and water. Caramelized onions and garlic provide a savory base, while thinly sliced apples add a touch of natural sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness. Optional ground pecans add a delightful nutty crunch. The dish is slow-baked until the flavors meld and the seitan is fork-tender. It's a perfect comfort food for cozy autumn evenings, pairing beautifully with roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes. This vegan dish offers a satisfying, umami-packed experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Cooking Method: Baking, Frying, Roasting, Stewing

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 173.5

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This hearty Seitan A La Normandie transforms simple wheat gluten into a luxurious, meaty centerpiece. The seitan slices are first pan-fried for texture, then gently braised in a rich mixture of tamari, apple juice concentrate, and water. Caramelized onions and garlic provide a savory base, while thinly sliced apples add a touch of natural sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness. Optional ground pecans add a delightful nutty crunch. The dish is slow-baked until the flavors meld and the seitan is fork-tender. It's a perfect comfort food for cozy autumn evenings, pairing beautifully with roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes. This vegan dish offers a satisfying, umami-packed experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Ingredients

Seitan (approx. 2 oz each), uncooked
Sliced onions
Minced garlic
Sesame oil (or other cooking oil for frying)
Tamari
Apple juice concentrate
Water
Ground, roasted pecan nuts (optional)
Apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Mirin, Calvados, or Sherry

Directions

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
Cut the uncooked seitan into four thin slices, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, ensuring each piece weighs about 2 ounces.
3
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the seitan slices until lightly browned on both sides.
4
Add a small amount of water to the skillet with the seitan. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes to tenderize the seitan before using it in the final dish.
5
In a separate pan, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic in the sesame oil (or additional cooking oil) until the onions are soft and translucent but not browned.
6
Place the fried and simmered seitan slices in a single layer in an ovenproof baking dish.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, apple juice concentrate, and water. Pour this mixture evenly over the seitan.
8
Spoon the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the seitan, covering it evenly.
9
If using, sprinkle the ground roasted pecans over the onion layer.
10
Arrange the thinly sliced apples in a fan-like pattern over the onions and pecans.
11
Drizzle the mirin (or Calvados/sherry) evenly over the apples.
12
Cover the baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
14
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 pies

Amount Per Serving
Calories 173.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.8g12%
Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 10.9mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 24.8g9%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%
Sugars 10.2g
Protein 3.1g7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: seitan, vegan, normandy, braised, apples, onions, garlic, pecans, comfort-food, plant-based, main-course, autumn, fall, umami, tamari, sesame-oil, mirin

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/seitan-a-la-normandie/