Seitan
Seitan is a meat substitute. It is made from wheat gluten and is quite high in protein and low in fat. It has a delicously chewey, meaty texture and can be used in almost any stew, soup, stroganoff, etc.
Season
available year-round
How to select
It can be bought pre-made or made at home quite easily and inexpensively. Found in the refrigerated natural foods sections or in Asian markets. Also sold in powdered form as wheat-gluten, which can be mixed with water to make seitan.
How to prepare
Will take on the flavors of the other foods it is cooked with. For best results add at the end of cooking and just heat though.