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Snacks

Seitan ‘Salami’ Recipe

Nut-free option

Snacks
An open sandwich with sliced seitan, tomato, vegan pesto, plant-based feta crumbles, and fresh basil on a wooden board.
Slices of vegan seitan salami on a wooden chopping board, with basil leaves, tomato slices on bread, and crumbled plant-based cheese nearby.

It’s chewy, it’s hearty, it’s spicy and umami. Everything you’d expect from a salami log, except for the unsettling mystery of what body parts are making up your food! Breathe easy, there are only plants to be found in this deliciously moreish deli meat.

You will need

Makes 1

  • 200ml vegan-friendly red wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons red miso paste
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or mushroom seasoning)
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons shortening, grated

Fat chunks

  • 125ml vegan beef-style stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 60g pearl couscous
  • 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil

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Directions

30 mins to prep

30 mins to bake

Step 1

To prepare the ‘fat chunks’, bring the stock and liquid smoke to a rapid boil in a wide saucepan. Add the couscous, reduce to the lowest heat, then cover and simmer for 6-7 minutes until the stock is absorbed. Stir to avoid sticking, then pour over the sundried tomato oil and allow to cool.

Step 2

Pour the red wine into a saucepan. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat and bubble away until reduced by half. Allow to cool. Combine the reduced red wine with the tomato paste, liquid aminos or soy sauce, liquid smoke and miso paste. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients except the shortening, then mix in the red wine mixture until just combined. Tip in the shortening and prepared couscous, then knead with your hands to bring the dough together, making sure the couscous is dispersed throughout the mixture.

Step 4

Lay a 30cm square of plastic wrap on a work surface, then spoon the mixture into the centre. Fold over to enclose, then shape the mixture into a smooth, long log and wrap up tightly. Press down slightly to flatten.

A cylindrical, grain-filled plant-based sausage is wrapped in clear plastic, resting on a light surface—resembling vegan deli slices.

Step 5

Place the ‘salami’ on a plate and microwave on high for 90 seconds to set. Remove the plastic wrap, then tightly wrap in foil, this time making the salami rounded as you will be locking it into its final form.

A cylindrical plant-based loaf wrapped tightly in crinkled aluminium foil rests on a light-coloured surface.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 175°C. Place the salami on a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool fully, still wrapped in foil, then rest overnight in the fridge.

Hot tip!

For additional flavour and fatty mouthfeel, store the ‘salami’ coated in a slick of extra sun-dried tomato oil.

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