An Almost Perfect Texture in a Storebought Seitan--and a pickup soy recipe

Finally bought some Primal Strips from Primal Spirit Food. The texture is really about perfect. They shred nicely when pulled apart. 


This is the texture I am looking for. Some are made from gluten and others from either soy or shiitake mushrooms. I like the texture but the flavors are not great. The Texas Barbecue and the Hickory Smoked flavors are more in the sauce-like coating than in the strip itself. 


But who should expect real Texas BBQ flavor in a product made in Taiwan?


Here's a last-minute recipe I made up. It's not gluten but if you happen to have some textured soy protein on the shelf, this is quick and easy:


Meatless Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce


1 can diced tomatoes, unsalted, not drained 
2 tsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
2 tsp Aji-Mirin (sweet Japanese cooking rice wine)
4 sliced button mushrooms
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp rubbed sage 
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1/4 tsp ground savory ( had this on the shelf but never figured a use for it)
1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/4 cup textured soy protein granules (available in bulk at Whole Foods)


Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, until the TVP is thoroughly hydrated and the sauce has thickened. You may need to add a little water if it gets too dry and use the lid. The TVP absorbs a lot of water.


I like this recipe because it takes hardly more time than heating prepared spaghetti sauce. The TVP gives it a distinct ground beef taste and mouth feel, and also makes it a good protein source. 


The Braggs Liquid Aminos is addictive. It must be high in umami, which means it must have some sort of natural MSG-like components.  All taste, no guilt. 


I would use fresh herbs but I just had to replant my herb Aerogarden.


If you've got no mirin handy, I would substitute any white wine but add a scant teaspoon of sugar. I know, Aji-Mirin is not the real deal but it does taste pretty good and it's easy to find.