Seitan, also called wheat gluten or wheat-meat, is a versatile, high-protein meat substitute that works well in stir-fries, soups and casseroles. It has a chewy texture, similar to meat, and just like tofu, absorbs flavors well and is best cooked with a mixture of spices or sauces. While you can often find pre-made seitan in health food stores, making seitan by hand allows you to add your own flavor to the gluten while it simmers, and, though the process may seem complex at first, its really just a matter of mixing a few ingredients and then simmering the gluten in broth. This step-by-step guide will show you how.

Photo by Jolinda Hackett