Photo: vegolosi.it

Presentation

Second course based on seitan, goji berries, grapes, leek, rosemary, Provençal herbs, extra virgin olive oil, rice flour, salt and pepper

Ingredients

Serves 4

Natural seitan – 240 g (8.5 oz / 1 package)

Goji berries – 20 g (0.7 oz / ≈ 2 tablespoons)

White grapes – 20 grapes (≈ 100 g / 3.5 oz)

Grape juice – 100 ml (3.4 fl oz / ≈ ⅓ cup)

Leek – ½ leek (≈ 60 g / 2 oz, sliced)

Fresh rosemary – to taste (≈ 1 teaspoon chopped)

Herbes de Provence – to taste (≈ ½–1 teaspoon)

Rice flour – to taste (≈ 1–2 tablespoons / 10–20 g, for coating)

Extra-virgin olive oil – to taste (≈ 1–2 tablespoons / 15–30 ml)

Salt – to taste (≈ ¼ teaspoon)

Black pepper – to taste

Method

Finely chop the fresh rosemary and add it to a tablespoon of Provençal herbs.

In a large container, mix the herbs with the rice flour.

Set aside a little chopped rosemary for the final garnish.

Extract the juice from the grapes.

Cut the seitan into slices about 5 mm thick

Dip them in the flour and spices mix in order to bread each slice very well.

Press gently so that the flour adheres very well to the seitan.

In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the leek cut into slices and the goji berries.

As soon as the leek has taken on a little color, add the slices of seitan and shortly after the grape juice.

Continue to cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, adding a little hot water in case the juice dries out too much.

Season with salt and pepper

Serve with chopped rosemary.

Allergens

Goji berries: possible allergies with immediate reaction after intake

Provençal herbs: check allergenicity of the components

Rice: (allergy very common in the Far East, almost unknown in Italy and Europe). Possible cross-reaction in case of grass sensitivity

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Leek: cases of individual reactivity reported, possible cross-reaction in case of birch allergy

Rosemary: possible reaction in case of intolerance to spices

Seitan: presence of wheat and soy, included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Grapes: possible cross-reaction in case of birch allergy

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Goji berries: rich in vitamin C and antioxidant substances that support the immune and cardiovascular systems by controlling blood cholesterol and preventing oxidation that is the basis of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Provençal herbs: check properties of the components

Rice flour: gluten-free, due to its modest protein content it is suitable for nephropathic and phenylketonuric patients; since it is an antiuric food, it is recommended in case of gout and hyperuricemia. It stimulates the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Leek: contains ingredients favorable to diuresis and antioxidants favorable to the functioning of the cardiovascular system and immune system

Rosemary: rich in principles favorable to kidney function (stimulate diuresis), the cardiovascular system by promoting sweating and liver function by promoting bile secretion.

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in the case of nephropathy.

Seitan: useful for liver function for the supply of probiotics

Grape: Fruit with a high capacity to promote the purification of the liver and regularization of the intestine. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Also intended for individuals suffering from:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Mucositis (inflammation and injury of the oral cavity)

Not recommended in case of:

• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)