Oldie but a Goodie: Seitan Tikka Masala

I love to watch Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," and create vegan versions of everything.  I've honestly made vegan versions for more than half of the episodes I have seen.  One of my house's favorites was my version of "Chicken Tikka Masala."  I came across the recipe card I made while cleaning (I usually scribble along as I go, and stuff whatever I wrote it on in a cookbook for "safe keeping "... I lose most of them, honestly), and thought I would share it with you!  Bonus points for fresh spices in this one!

(Vegan) Seitan Tikka Masala

I realize this photo won't win any photography awards, but it's better than nothing..

 Ingredients:

- 2 tubs of seitan 

For the marinade: 

- 1 cup plain soy yogurt

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

-  A squeeze of lemon or lime juice

- 1 tablespoon grated ginger

- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

- 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon tumeric

- A few shakes of salt and pepper

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 large can crushed tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- 1 1/2 tablespoons garam masala

- 1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

- Pinch of sugar

- 1 cup soy creamer 

- White or brown rice 

Method: 

- Begin by marinading your seitan.  Wisk together all of the marinade ingredients (from the soy yogurt to "a few shakes of salt and papper") in a wide, shallow bowl.  Add the seitan, and make sure you completely soak each piece.  Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.  Sauté over medium heat until the onions begin to become translucent.  

- Add the garam masala, chile powder, and cayenne pepper, and continue to stir for a minute or so. 

- Deglaze with the crushed tomatoes.

- Add the sugar, and if you're feeling crazy, a few extra shakes of salt and pepper.

- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until sauce has noticeably thickened. 

- Add the soy creamer and cook for another 10 minutes, remembering to stir occasionally.

- Add the marinaded seitan, and simmer for another 15 minutes.  Yes, remember to stir!

- Serve over rice and ask yourself, "are you ready for a Throwdown!?"

You know, just chilling with the Flay at Williams Sonoma