Vegan Coq au Vin

Ingredients

The main difference in this vegan adaptation is the substitution of chicken with plant-based protein sources such as seitan or tofu. Additionally, the traditional bacon is replaced with smoky tempeh or vegan bacon strips. The result is a cruelty-free version that retains the essence and flavors of the original Coq au Vin. We alse have the original recipe for Coq au vin, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225g) seitan or firm tofu, cubed 8 ounces (225g) seitan or firm tofu, cubed
• 4 ounces (115g) tempeh or vegan bacon strips, diced 4 ounces (115g) tempeh or vegan bacon strips, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the seitan or tofu cubes and diced tempeh or vegan bacon strips to the pot. Cook until lightly browned.
3. 3.
   Pour in the red wine, vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seitan or tofu — If using seitan, ensure it is well-seasoned or marinated for extra flavor. If using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture before cubing.
• Tempeh or vegan bacon strips — For a smoky flavor, marinate tempeh in liquid smoke or use pre-marinated tempeh. If using vegan bacon strips, choose a brand that suits your taste preferences.
• Mushrooms — Use a mix of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for a variety of textures and flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the depth of flavor, marinate the seitan or tofu in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Serve the Vegan Coq au Vin with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegan Coq au Vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Present the Vegan Coq au Vin in a deep serving dish, allowing the rich, dark sauce to envelop the seitan or tofu and mushrooms. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.