Seitan Tikka Masala, with Kale

As I've frequently alluded to before, my dear husband only eats 2 items off the menu in Indian restaurants. Dal Makhani and Chicken Tikka Masala. While I've tried a tofu version of tikka masala, I decided a while back that Seitan - New Veggie #36, would be an excellent substitute for chicken. So finally I decided to try it today.  

Seitan Tikka Masala

Prep Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

1. 8oz cubed Seitan
2. 1 bunch Kale, stems removed, coarsely torn
3. 1 can (6 oz) Hunt's Tomato paste
4. ~2 cups Vegetable broth
5. 2-3 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
6. 2 tsp Cumin powder
7. 2 tsp Coriander powder
8. 1 tsp Chili Powder
9. 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
10. 2-3 tsp Garam Masala
11. 1/2 to 3/4 cup nondairy milk
12. Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Seitan Tikka Masala
(pressure cooker version)
Before drying in a skillet for 5-7 min 

In a deep stock pot, add about half a cup of vegetable broth and kale. Bring to a boil and cover for 5 minutes to allow the kale to wilt. Drain kale using a colander and set aside. Save the vegetable broth. Line a skillet (on medium heat) with saved vegetable broth from wilting kale. Bring to a boil and add ginger-garlic paste. As the aromas are released, add all the dry spices and tomato paste. Mix well, adding vegetable broth as needed, to make a thick sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding nondairy milk; mix well to make the consistency uniform. Lastly, add kale and Seitan cubes and simmer for 5-7  minutes. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper and fresh/dried cilantro. Serve over brown rice. 

Pressure Cooker Directions: Add everything (except the nondairy milk) to the cooker and steam under pressure for 10 min; immediately release steam. Mix well; add non-dairy milk, garnish and serve. If the pressure cooker version is a little soupy (see picture), you may need to dry it in a skillet for a few minutes before adding milk. Both taste just as good; one looks more like the restaurant version of tikka masala :) 

My Assessment: I liked it. T did not try it. I made it in a pressure cooker today and ate a serving for dinner before drying the rest in a skillet for lunches. I don't think Seitan works as a 'great' substitute for chicken  .. because its a so spongy in texture, but overall, even with the kale, I think the dish was very reminiscent of Chicken Tikka Masala :)