Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mind-blowing vegan stew that proves plant-based cooking can be absolutely spectacular! This Vegan Chile Colorado Seitan Stew is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and challenge everything you thought you knew about meatless cooking. Packed with robust spices, hearty seitan, and a rich, warming broth, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup seitan, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing seitan into small, uniform cubes, chopping the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Measure out all spices and have vegetable broth and tomatoes ready.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Introduce the diced bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper starts to soften.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and toast the spices for about 1 minute, which will enhance their depth of flavor.
- Add the diced seitan to the pot and stir to combine with the spiced vegetables, allowing it to brown slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the stew for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The stew should thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime for additional brightness.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Dice your seitan into consistent, small cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture in every bite.
- Spice Toasting: Take extra care when toasting your chili powder and cumin. This crucial step releases deeper, more complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the seitan to absorb all the delicious spices and broth.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the stew rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and the texture to settle.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime can add a bright, fresh dimension to the rich stew.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
