A juicy, savory seitan loaf wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust . . . need we say more? This Seitan en Croûte is a show-stopping masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s the kind of dish that will make your holiday guests say "Wow!" before they even realize it's completely plant-based. Get ready to impress everyone with this culinary magic trick!
1cup235 ml beef-flavored vegetable broth (or plain vegetable broth)
1pound455 g vegan frozen puff pastry
1tbsp.prepared stone-ground mustard
1cup120 g whole wheat flour
2cups288 g vital wheat gluten flour
½cup120 ml extra-virgin olive oil
1tspgarlic powder
1tspliquid smoke
¼cup30 g nutritional yeast
1tsppaprikaplus extra for sprinkling
1tspdried parsley flakesplus extra for sprinkling
1tspsoy sauce or tamari
1tbsp.tomato paste
Instructies
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Have ready a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat, such as Silpat.
In a large-size mixing bowl, combine the wheat gluten, wheat flour, nutritional yeast, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, mix together the broth, oil, soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, and liquid smoke.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and knead together until well incorporated and a moist dough forms.
Let rest for 20 minutes.
Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions.
Form the mixture into a loaf (similar to a meatloaf shape) and place in the center of the baking sheet.
Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, to allow the loaf to reabsorb its juices.
Increase the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F).
Cover the loaf entirely with one of the pastry sheets, tucking the edges underneath the loaf.
Slice another sheet into 10 even strips for weaving.
Weave the strips, on the diagonal, across the top of the loaf (like the top of an apple pie!
).
Tuck loose ends under the loaf.
Sprinkle a little paprika and parsley on top for color.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is fluffy and golden brown.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Tip:
This stunning centerpiece deserves some equally impressive side dishes. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a light salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a creamy potato gratin for a complete and festive holiday meal.
Wine Advice:
With a dish as rich and savory as this, you need a wine that can stand up to its bold flavors. A full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect partner; its deep fruit notes and hints of spice will beautifully complement the earthy seitan. If you prefer something lighter, a dry Rosé can be a fantastic alternative. Its crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the pastry, making every bite feel light and fresh. It's a pairing so good, it might just make you forget about the rest of the meal!