🌿 Chickpea Seitan: A High-Protein Vegan Meat Alternative

Hearty, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.

If you're looking for a protein-rich plant-based alternative to meat, this chickpea seitan is a game-changer. By blending cooked chickpeas with vital wheat gluten, you get a dense, chewy texture perfect for everything from stir-fries to sandwiches. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor.

Let’s dive in.

🧰 Kitchen Tools

• Hand blender or food processor

• Mixing bowl

• Saucepan with lid

📝 Ingredients

Makes about 2 medium logs

• Cooked chickpeas: 200 g / 7 oz

• Vital wheat gluten: 150 g / 5 oz

• Chickpea flour: 80 g / 2.5 oz

• Paprika: 15 ml / ½ fl oz (approx. 1 tablespoon)

• Nutritional yeast: 5 g / 1 teaspoon

• Water: 150 ml / 5 fl oz

• Salt and pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Blend the baseIn a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, wheat gluten, chickpea flour, paprika, and nutritional yeast. Season the water with salt and pepper, then slowly add it to the bowl.

2. Knead the doughUse your hands to mix until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead for about 3–5 minutes until it becomes slightly firm and springy.

3. ShapeDivide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a cylinder, then gently twist the ends together to form a knot — this helps create texture inside the seitan.

4. SimmerBring a saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Add the seitan knots and cover. Simmer over medium heat for 40 minutes. Avoid a hard boil, which can make seitan spongy.

5. Cool & restRemove the seitan and let it come to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours — or overnight — for best texture.

6. Use & storeOnce chilled, crumble, slice, or shred depending on your dish. Use in tacos, grain bowls, curries, or wraps.Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

💡 Tips & Serving Ideas

• Add garlic powder, cumin, or soy sauce for a bolder flavor.

• Sear in a pan after chilling to crisp the exterior.

• Use broth instead of water during cooking for a richer flavor.

• Freeze leftovers in slices for quick meals.