Stuffed Vegan Seitan Roast

Step 1

TWO DAYS PRIOR, PREP THE TOFU: Place it in the freezer (in its container, water and all) until frozen through (usually overnight). Then, remove the tofu from the freezer and let it sit on the counter or in your fridge until defrosted. From here, you can open the package, drain the excess water, and press the extra water out of the tofu block using a tofu press or paper towels. You can also give it a gentle squeeze over the sink after pressing to REALLY get the water out. Weigh the tofu in this state and proceed.

Step 2

SAUTE THE VEGGIES: Heat a large skillet on medium high heat and add 1 Tbsp of the vegan butter. Once melted, add the onion and celery, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and saute for 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Turn the heat to medium and saute for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the water and remainder of the vegan butter and stir until the butter is completely melted.

Step 3

BLEND THE WET INGREDIENTS: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add its contents to a blender or food processor. Add the tofu and blend on high for 1 minute until everything is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4

MAKE THE SEITAN DOUGH: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Use a large wooden spoon to create a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the contents of the food processor.  Stir until a rough dough is formed. Then, get in there with your hands and knead the dough together for no longer than 30 seconds (set a timer / do NOT overknead.) The dough should be completely combined with no dry spots.

Step 5

ROLL AND STEAM THE ROAST: Prepare your steaming mechanism and lightly flour a clean counter and rolling pin with the wheat gluten. Place the seitan on the counter and roll it flat into a large rectangle. Line the stuffing along the longer side of the rectangle, about ½ inch from the edge. Use clean, dry hands to roll the seitan upwards over the stuffing and keep rolling upwards until there is no more seitan to roll. Pinch the seam and ends together to seal and roll it in tin foil***. Steam for 30 minutes and let it cool another 10 minutes before unwrapping it.

Step 6

WRAP AND BAKE THE ROAST: When your roast is almost finished cooling, preheat the oven to 400F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and roll out the puff pastry sheet to be slightly longer than the roast. Carefully unwrap the foil from the roast and re-wrap it tightly and evenly in the puff pastry, pinching the seam and ends to seal. Place your roast on the baking sheet (seam on the bottom) and bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes or until the puff pastry is lightly browned. Let the roast cool 5-10 minutes before slicing, and enjoy!