Mock Chicken Satay

Vegan

These make the basis of a quick and delicious meal. The sauce is really easy and a sure-fire hit; it’s also great with stir-fries! You can serve the skewers with brown rice for a more substantial dish
Seitan is available in jars from health food shops. Vegetarian chicken (also called seitan or gluten) is found in tins in Oriental shops. Alternatively, use veggie chicken strips or chunks. Good brands include Real Eat or Fry's. If you really don't like mock meats, replace with tofu - use chunks of lightly-fried smoked tofu or ready-cooked marinated tofu pieces.
Photograph courtesy of http://flavourphotos.com/

Serves:

Serves 3-4

Time:

20-30 minutes

Reduced sugar

Ingredients:

To Serve: 200g/7oz brown rice cooked in 450-500ml water (about 16-18fl oz) OR a 300g pack wholemeal noodles Skewers: 1 jar of seitan OR 1 tin vegetarian ‘chicken’, drained, will make approximately 40 medium pieces – 8 skewers each containing about 5 pieces OR use 1 packet of Cauldron marinated tofu pieces 8 x 20cm/8 inch wooden skewers Low-cal oil spray or a little oil Satay (Spicy Peanut) Sauce: 125ml/8 level tbsp smooth peanut butter 1/2 tbsp root ginger, grated 1/2 tbsp garlic, crushed (about 2 medium cloves) 2 tsp date syrup or a little brown sugar 2 tsp tomato puree 180ml/6 1/2fl oz hot water 2 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp soya sauce Large pinch chilli powder Ingredients for large mixed salad of your choice

Method:

1. If using brown rice, place it and water in a medium pan on the hob to cook first, as it takes about 20-25 minutes. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

2. Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium.

3. Make the sauce. Mix all sauce ingredients in a pan until smooth and warm gently until thickened. Keep warm.

4. If using noodles, cook now according to packet instructions. Rinse and keep warm. Make salad now.

5. Thread the seitan, ‘chicken’ or tofu pieces on skewers. If using seitan or vegetarian ‘chicken’, oil lightly. Place skewers under grill for about 3-4 minutes per side – but keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.

6. If sauce is too thick, add more hot water but adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve ‘chicken’ skewers on a bed of rice or noodles, topped with sauce plus salad.