Caravan of Dreams is one of the restaurants where my family likes to eat when we’re in New York City. It’s a funky, comfortable place in the East Village, with food that’s hearty and innovative (and all vegan). Once, my younger son ordered the Green Garden Platter, described as “seasonal mixed greens sautéed with grilled marinated seitan, garlic, and olive oil, topped with grilled carrot polenta in mushroom gravy.” I was intrigued by the combination of seitan and polenta, so when I got home, I made my own version, which bears little resemblance to the restaurant’s. There’s something enticing about the seitan/polenta synergy, and with the addition of greens, the result is a great-looking, hearty dish.
Recipe information
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Cut the puckered ends off the polenta, then slice 1/2 inch thick. Cut each slice into 4 little wedges.
Step 2
Heat a wide nonstick skillet. Add a drop of the oil and spread it around with a paper towel to create a very light coat, or use cooking oil spray. Add the polenta wedges; cook in a single layer over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes on each side.
Step 3
Transfer the polenta to a plate. Heat the oil and soy sauce slowly in the same skillet. Before they get too hot, add the seitan and stir well. Raise the heat to medium-high and sauté, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Stir in the bok choy, spinach, and scallions, then cover and cook until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4
Sprinkle in vinegar to taste. Gently fold in the polenta wedges and sun-dried tomatoes, if using. Season with salt and pepper and serve at once.
Menu Suggestions
Step 5
My preferred accompaniment to this family favorite is Fingerling Fries (page 194). If you can’t come by fingerling potatoes, Sautéed Paprika Potatoes (page 207) works well, too. Microwaved sweet potatoes make an even easier (and more nourishing) accompaniment. Complete the meal with a simple green salad or a platter of raw veggies.
nutrition information
Step 6
Calories: 332
Step 7
Total Fat: 9g
Step 8
Protein: 34g
Step 9
Carbohydrates: 29g
Step 10
Fiber: 5g
Step 11
Sodium: 1170mg
