Name: Easy Vegan Roast: A Flavorful Plant-Based Main Dish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup button mushrooms, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup nutritional yeast; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or dried rosemary and thyme); 1 tablespoon seasoned vegetable base (or Better Than Bouillon paste); 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or tamari); 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup vital wheat gluten; ½ cup all-purpose flour (for kneading); Soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil (see instructions for proportions); For Serving: Fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, or any side dish of your choice

Easy Vegan Roast: A Flavorful Plant-Based Main Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan roast is everything you want in a plant-based main dish. It’s savory, hearty, and packed with flavor. The combination of seitan and cannellini beans creates a satisfying texture, while mushrooms and seasonings provide a deep, umami flavor. The optional glaze adds a sweet, savory finish, creating a crispy, golden exterior. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy dinner, this roast is easy to prepare and will be a hit at the table!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Roast:

1 can (15 oz) white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup button mushrooms, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or dried rosemary and thyme)
1 tablespoon seasoned vegetable base (or Better Than Bouillon paste)
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or tamari)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup vital wheat gluten
½ cup all-purpose flour (for kneading)

For the Optional Glaze:

Soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil (see instructions for proportions)

For Serving:

Fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, or any side dish of your choice

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegan Roast Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the cannellini beans, mushrooms, garlic, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, vegetable base, coconut aminos, water, and vegetable oil. Blend until smooth, with a few lumps remaining.
Add the vital wheat gluten and pulse until a rough dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes. This step ensures a tender roast and prevents it from becoming too firm.

3. Shape the Roast

Form the dough into a loaf shape, about 8.5 inches long. Lay a 24-inch piece of foil on your work surface and place a smaller sheet of parchment paper on top. Place the dough log on the short side of the parchment and foil. Roll the dough tightly into a log and twist the ends of the foil to seal.

4. Bake the Roast

Place the wrapped vegan roast on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, flip the roast and bake for another 35 minutes. The roast should become firm and golden brown.

5. Rest and Slice

Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest in the foil for 30 minutes to allow it to finish cooking. Slicing immediately may result in a gummy texture.

6. Optional Glaze

For a crispy, caramelized exterior, preheat your broiler to low. Brush the roast with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil, and broil for 2 minutes. Flip the roast, brush with more glaze, and broil for another 2 minutes.

7. Serve

Once the roast has rested, slice it and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and a gluten-free vegetable base to make this roast gluten-free.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables, like carrots or spinach, to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Spices: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy twist to the seasoning blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This roast can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the roast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this roast ahead of time?

Yes, this roast can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also great for meal prep or special occasion meals.

What can I serve this vegan roast with?

This roast pairs wonderfully with vegan mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even vegan gravy.

Can I use a different protein instead of seitan?

Yes, you can substitute seitan with tempeh or lentils for a different texture. However, seitan is the best option for achieving that meaty, dense texture.

Can I use a different flour for kneading the dough?

Yes, you can experiment with different flours, but vital wheat gluten is key to achieving the right texture. Using all-purpose flour is fine, but the gluten will be reduced, affecting the final result.

How do I get the roast to have a crispy exterior?

For a golden, crispy exterior, be sure to broil the roast with the glaze at the end of baking. This step helps create a caramelized coating.

Conclusion

The Easy Vegan Roast is a delicious and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional meat roasts. Packed with seitan, beans, mushrooms, and a blend of savory seasonings, this roast is rich in flavor and has a perfect meaty texture. It’s a fantastic choice for holiday meals, special occasions, or any time you want a comforting, hearty main dish. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, gravy, or roasted vegetables, this roast will be a standout at your table!