Savory Plant-Based Comfort

Savory Plant-Based Comfort: Chicken Liver-Style Seitan with Brown Gravy, Buttery Rice, and Steamed Veggies

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this plant-based chicken liver-style seitan with brown gravy is the perfect choice. Inspired by the deep, savory notes of classic liver and onions, this dish transforms protein-rich seitan into a flavorful, satisfying main course.

Paired with silky brown gravy, buttery rice, and steamed broccoli and cauliflower, this meal delivers a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats—perfect for fueling your body while keeping your taste buds happy. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying late lunch or an early dinner, this dish offers the warmth of home-cooked comfort with a healthy, plant-based twist.

Healthy Benefits of Ingredients:

Every component of this meal brings unique health benefits. Seitan, a high-protein plant-based meat alternative, helps maintain muscle health while being low in fat. Nutritional yeast provides a boost of B vitamins essential for energy production. Smoked paprika and garlic powder not only enhance flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory properties. The inclusion of broccoli and cauliflower ensures a high intake of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting a strong immune system and overall wellness. Brown rice, a staple in many plant-based diets, delivers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and digestion. Meanwhile, olive oil and soy sauce (tamari) add depth of flavor while supplying heart-healthy fats and gut-friendly fermented compounds.

Step 1: Chicken Liver-Style Seitan

We’ll take your seitan meat and flavor it to have the deep, savory, slightly iron-rich taste of chicken livers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seitan (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (adds a subtle liver-like depth)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground sage

• ½ tsp nutritional yeast (optional, adds umami)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, deepens the savory flavor)

• ¼ cup vegetable broth (for deglazing)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the seitan pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, nutritional yeast, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder. Stir well to coat the seitan.

4. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting the seasonings absorb.

5. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

6. Let the liquid reduce slightly (about 1-2 minutes), then turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Easy Brown Gravy

This rich, savory brown gravy complements the seitan and rice beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups vegetable or mushroom broth

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp soy sauce or tamari

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

2. Slowly add vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

3. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

4. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

5. Remove from heat and keep warm until serving.

Step 3: Buttery Plant-Based Rice

This simple rice dish is rich and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

• 1 tbsp vegan butter

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.

2. Stir in rice, vegan butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes (or until liquid is absorbed).

4. Fluff with a fork and mix in chopped parsley if using.

Step 4: Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower

A fresh, simple side to balance the richness of the meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets

• 1 ½ cups cauliflower florets

• 1 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a steamer basket inside.

2. Add broccoli and cauliflower to the basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, until tender but not mushy.

3. Toss with vegan butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Plate the buttery rice as the base.

2. Add a generous portion of chicken liver-style seitan on top.

3. Spoon brown gravy over the seitan and rice.

4. Serve with steamed broccoli and cauliflower on the side.

5. Enjoy this delicious, balanced, and comforting meal!

Estimated Nutrition Facts:

This plant-based meal is packed with essential nutrients, offering a well-balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 26g of protein, and 58g of carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and nourishment. Additionally, it offers 8g of fiber, which supports digestive health, and 6mg of iron (33% of the daily value), an important mineral for oxygen transport in the body. With a moderate 14g of fat primarily from heart-healthy sources like olive oil and plant-based butter, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.

Serving and Storage Recommendations:

This meal is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment. Store any remaining seitan, gravy, and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since rice can lose moisture quickly, it is best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture. When reheating, warm the seitan and gravy on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. The rice can be reheated in a microwave with a few drops of water to restore softness. Steamed vegetables should be stored separately and gently reheated to preserve their texture.

This meal is a great option for meal prep or a satisfying home-cooked dinner that brings comfort and nourishment in every bite. Try it out and enjoy a flavorful, plant-powered twist on a classic dish! 🍽️✨

Disclaimer: This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns or allergies.

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