Vegan Holiday Roast: Seitan or Cauliflower?

For Thanksgiving, What do vegans eat? A Vegan Holiday Roast, of course!

Fear not, all you vegans and vegetarians! No longer do vegans need to fear the Thanksgiving table. In fact, they might find the family wanting to try one of the Vegan Holiday Roast versions, even if they aren’t vegan. In addition, consider either the Turkey Seitan Roast or our Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower.

For a vegan holiday roast, I recommend you consider either seitan or cauliflower. While uncommon to many, these plant-based versions add some healthy protein and flavor. Our vegan options satisfy the vegans in your life while adding a delicious twist to your family’s traditional holiday menu! You can’t go wrong with either one.

 

What is Seitan?

Most long-time vegans know Seitan by its name or one of the other names: meat wheat or gluten. This protein, derived from wheat, is known as a food that looks, tastes, and feels like meat. In fact, it has been used for centuries in Chinese cooking as the main ingredient of dishes such as General Tso’s chicken.

Moreover, while it might not be something you have heard of before, seitan is worth adding to your kitchen repertoire. It tastes delicious and provides good nutrition elements. In addition, Seitan provides protein without cholesterol or saturated fats. Also, it easily soaks up flavors, making it quite versatile. In fact, it assimilates with the flavors to make whatever dish you are craving taste just right! “Is this what vegan dreams are made of?” (Perez)

In addition, Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute that is high in protein and gluten-free. It looks like, feels like, and has the same texture as chicken or beef making it perfect for vegetarians who are craving meat! However, even those not longing for meat find great pleasure in this healthy protein choice.

 

Other Uses for Seitan, beyond the Vegan Holiday Roast

Seitan, or gluten as it is often called, provides a good meat substitute. The chewy, stringy texture and easily substitutes for chicken or beef in many dishes. Like tofu, seitan takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with, so it’s versatile and easy to use! Here are three ways to use seitan:

1. First, slice up some seitan “chicken” and add it to your favorite stir fry recipe for an extra protein boost. 2) Use sliced seitan as a replacement for pepperoni on pizza instead of cheese for delicious vegan pizzas everyone will love. 3) Make homemade vegan burgers using ground-up TVP (textured vegetable protein), garlic powder, salt, onion powder,

 

 

 

 

Notes about our Vegan Holiday Roast

When I began making gluten many years ago, I learned the basic technique for mixing wheat flour and water, kneading, and then rinsing the starch out. It took a lot of time and cold water and produced sore hands by the end of the process. Moreover, I did it because we gave up meat and wanted the texture of seitan.

Over time, I discovered vital wheat gluten. After some experimentation, I learned to make basic gluten by just mixing some seasonings, water, and vital wheat gluten. My stand mixer saved a great deal of kneading. And the end result was a delicious product with much less work, not to mention the water saved.

 

The Vegan Holiday Roast Recipe is more Complex

Wheat contains most of the essential proteins, with the exception of lysine.  By adding the beans, our roast becomes a complete protein. But even more, the beans help the texture and flavors a bit. And the other additions also bring the flavor up to one deserving of that special place on your holiday table.

Yes, it is a little more involved than my everyday gluten recipes. But trust me, it is well worth the effort. And if you add one of our stuffing recipes (either on the side or rolled in the middle) you will be as impressed as your guests!

However, I also invite you to try our second “no-turkey” recipe: Roasted Cauliflower (see below). In fact, this year, our table will host both of these delicious entrees!

 

 

First, Our Vegan Holiday Roast Seitan; Turkey Seitan Roast

After making the turkey seitan roast, or maybe even before, consider the Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower, turkey-style, of course.

 

Why Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower?

My first reason is the flavor. Of course, plain cauliflower might seem bland to many people. But bring on the seasonings and roast it. Moreover, those little extras help sell this to the most resistant eater. In addition, in fact, my friends who seem “meh” about this vegetable often return for seconds when it’s Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower.

Additionally, consider nutrition for another reason. One cup of cauliflower boasts:

• Calories: 25
• Fiber: 3 grams (that is about 10% of your RDI)
• Vitamin C: 77% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 20% of the RDI
• Folate: 14% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 11% of the RDI
• Pantothenic acid: 7% of the RDI
• Potassium: 9% of the RDI
• Manganese: 8% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
• Choline: 45 mg (about 11% AI for women)

Plus, antioxidants, including Sulforaphane, fight infections and inflammation.

However, when you have Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower, who actually stops at one cup?!

 

 

And now, our Thanksgiving Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

 

Thanksgiving Cauliflower Roast? Turkey Seitan Roast?

Which one might you choose for your Vegan Holiday Roast? In fact, I suggest you might try both. You see, while one provides a protein component (the Turkey Seitan Roast)  the other is a nutritious vegetable.

But, are there other choices? Yes, in fact, we’ve experimented with many options over the years. In addition, pot roast (made with gluten instead of meat) reigns among our family favorites. Lasagna roll-ups received rave reviews one year. The scalloped potatoes with a vegan ham alternative received call-backs for the following year.

Does our family miss the turkey centerpiece? No. In fact, many find it surprising that none of us find any issue with it. Perhaps it’s the fun of choosing a special main course.

 

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