Ingredients: Let's start with the ingredients you'll need to prepare your homemade seitan:

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce or tamari, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be firm and slightly elastic.

4. Knead the dough for a few minutes to develop the gluten strands. This will give your seitan a chewy texture. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the seitan tough.

5. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a log or loaf shape. You can also tear off small pieces to form nuggets or cutlets, depending on your preference.

6. Wrap the seitan tightly in aluminium foil, twisting the ends to seal it securely. This will help the seitan hold its shape during cooking.

7. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully place the wrapped seitan into the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged.

8. Cover the pot with a lid and let the seitan simmer for about 45-60 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavours to develop and the seitan to cook through.

9. Once cooked, remove the seitan from the pot and let it cool slightly before unwrapping. You can now use it immediately in your favourite recipes or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavour of your seitan. Add herbs, chilli flakes, or smoked salt for a unique twist.
• For a firmer texture, try kneading the dough for longer or adding a tablespoon of chickpea flour.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for the best flavour, or choose a low-sodium store-bought option to control the saltiness of your seitan.
• Once cooked, you can slice the seitan thinly for sandwiches, dice it for stir-fries, or shred it for tacos and wraps.
• Leftover seitan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply thaw before using.

Congratulations! You've mastered the art of making homemade seitan – a versatile and delicious meat alternative that's sure to impress. Whether you're cooking up a hearty stew, grilling skewers, adding it to one of our vegan ready meals or making a classic Sunday roast, seitan adds a satisfying protein punch to any dish. With this simple recipe and a bit of creativity, you'll never miss meat again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the culinary adventure begin!