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September 9, 2012

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 :)

2 comments:

  1. Looks tasty! I might try it with beans instead, since wheat doesn't agree with me :-/. Loved your vacation post, too! We vacation on the Outer Banks as well, and advance menu planning made life a lot easier (and healthier) while we were there. Can't wait to go back next year!

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    1. Thanks :) .. hey if you can eat Soy and like TVP, and have access to an Indian store try this recipe with Nutrela (large chunks of TVP). It's great. I'm pretty sure you can buy Nutrela on Amazon too. Enjoy :)

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