Vegan Ham: A Seitan Based Delight for Your Next Feast

Our Vegan Ham is an impressive, savory, and satisfying alternative to the traditional holiday ham, made from hearty seitan. It’s perfect for those looking to add a plant-based centerpiece to their festive meal. With a firm, meaty texture and rich flavor, this dish is a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a holiday feast, family dinner, or special occasion. It’s easy to make and can be customized with various glazes and seasonings to suit your taste.

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients for the Seitan Ham:

1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup chickpea flour (or other flour of choice)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup vegetable broth (plus more for boiling)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Make the Seitan Ham Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground mustard, ground cloves, and allspice. Stir until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Use your hands to knead the mixture into a dough for about 3-5 minutes. It should be firm and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more vital wheat gluten; if it’s too dry, add a splash of broth.

2. Shape the Vegan Ham:

Roll the dough into a log shape, about 8 inches long. Pinch the ends to close it off, and wrap the dough tightly in foil, twisting the ends to seal.
If you like, you can tie the ends with kitchen twine for extra security.

3. Cook the Seitan Ham:

Fill a large pot with vegetable broth (enough to fully submerge the seitan ham). Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Carefully add the wrapped seitan ham to the pot and cook for 45-60 minutes, turning the ham occasionally to ensure even cooking. The seitan will firm up and become slightly springy to the touch when it’s done.
Once cooked, remove the seitan ham from the pot and let it cool slightly before unwrapping.

4. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

5. Glaze the Vegan Ham:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the cooked seitan ham on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the ham, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, basting with more glaze every 10 minutes, until the ham is golden brown and caramelized on the outside.

6. Serve:

Once the Vegan Ham is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve as a main dish at your holiday feast or special occasion, alongside your favorite sides.

Tips:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different glazes to match your preferences. You can use orange juice and zest for a citrusy version or maple and mustard for a more tangy-sweet glaze.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by slicing and warming in the oven or on a skillet.

This Vegan Ham made from seitan is a perfect showstopper for any occasion. It’s juicy, flavorful, and has the perfect texture, making it an excellent option for those who want a plant-based alternative to traditional holiday roasts. The glaze adds a beautiful sweet and savory finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!