Smoky Holiday Seitan Ham

5.0 out of 5 (1 votes)

A rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying plant-based holiday roast made with vital wheat gluten. This roast is loaded with smoky spices and smothered in a decadent agave-mustard glaze, making it the perfect cruelty-free centerpiece for any celebratory meal.

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Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

90 mins

Yields

8 servings

Ingredients

For the Seitan Roast:
1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
1/4 cup tamari
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Agave-Mustard Glaze:
1/4 cup agave nectar
2 tablespoons tamari
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to generously wrap the roast.
Create the Wet Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients for the Seitan Roast except for the vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast. Blend until completely smooth. This includes the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, tamari, agave, liquid smoke, tomato paste, and all the spices (paprika, onion/garlic powder, pepper, cloves).
Create the Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast until well combined.
Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir with a sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead and Shape: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, just until everything is well combined and the dough feels firm and elastic. Do not over-knead.
Shape and Wrap: Shape the dough into a firm, oblong roast shape, similar to a small ham. Place it on the prepared aluminum foil and wrap it very tightly, twisting the ends to seal it like a large sweet wrapper. This is crucial for the seitan to steam in its own moisture.
First Bake: Place the foil-wrapped roast on a baking sheet and bake for 70 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze: While the roast is baking, whisk all the ingredients for the Agave-Mustard Glaze together in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze and Final Bake: Carefully remove the roast from the oven. Unwrap the foil (be cautious of hot steam). The roast should be firm to the touch. Place the unwrapped roast back on the baking sheet. Brush it generously with half of the glaze. Return it to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Final Glaze: Remove the roast again, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for a final 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbling and beautifully caramelized.
Rest: Let the seitan ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The texture will continue to firm up as it cools.

Additional Information

Nutrition Facts (Summary)

Calories

215

Fat

2.2g (9% of Calories)

Saturated Fat

0.3g (2% DV)

Cholesterol

0mg (0% DV)

Sodium

985mg (43% DV)

Carbohydrates

22.3g (61% of Calories)

Dietary Fiber

4g (14% DV)

Total Sugars

12.1g

Protein

27.5g (30% of Calories)

Vitamin A

44mcg (5% DV)

Vitamin C

1mg (1% DV)

Vitamin D

0mcg (0% DV)

Vitamin E

0.3mg (2% DV)

Vitamin K

2mcg (2% DV)

Thiamine (B1)

0.5mg (42% DV)

Riboflavin (B2)

0.4mg (31% DV)

Niacin (B3)

2.5mg (16% DV)

Vitamin B6

0.3mg (18% DV)

Folate

145mcg (36% DV)

Vitamin B12

2.4mcg (100% DV)

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

1.1mg (22% DV)

Calcium

85mg (7% DV)

Copper

0.3mg (33% DV)

Iron

3.8mg (21% DV)

Magnesium

60mg (14% DV)

Phosphorus

295mg (24% DV)

Potassium

350mg (7% DV)

Selenium

25mcg (45% DV)

Zinc

1.5mg (14% DV)

Chef's Notes

The Oil Justification: A touch of oil (1 teaspoon) in the glaze is our secret weapon here. It helps the agave and spices caramelize beautifully, creating that irresistible, glossy, slightly crispy crust that you want on a holiday roast. It emulsifies with the mustard and tamari to create a glaze that clings perfectly. It is a small amount used for a significant culinary and textural payoff, which aligns with our low-oil philosophy.
Knead Gently: The biggest mistake people make with seitan is over-kneading. We're not making bread. A few minutes is all you need to bring it together. Over-working it can make the final product tough and rubbery.
Patience is a Virtue: The resting period is not a suggestion, it's a requirement! Seitan needs to cool and set. In fact, the texture is often even better the next day. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare a day ahead for a gathering.
Serving Suggestions: This will be phenomenal as the centrepiece of a holiday meal, served with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. The leftovers make for unbelievable sandwiches.
Assumptions: Nutritional information is estimated based on the listed ingredients and quantities. The brand of nutritional yeast used is assumed to be fortified with Vitamin B12. Sodium content is high due to tamari; using a low-sodium tamari would reduce this significantly.