We looked to Julia Child for tips on this iconic French dish, but we’ve given this vegetarian version the Cook Smarts treatment to cut down on dishes and streamline the cooking process. Even with our shortcuts, the key to this rich stew is to develop layers of flavor by sauteing the ingredients in batches, so you'll need a little extra time to assemble this one. Finishing the dish in the slow cooker or oven at low heat will help it to develop great flavor and allow the seitan to absorb the cooking liquid. Smarts #1: This is even better if made a day or two ahead, so feel free to make it when you have time and just reheat it to serve. Smarts #2: This recipe could be made in the Instant Pot. For tips, join the Cook Smarts Instant Pot Facebook Group.
Carrots / Onions / Seitan / Garlic - Prep as directed. Combine carrots and onions in one container. Store seitan and garlic in their own containers. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make vinaigrette - Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and honey. Add olive oil while whisking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Mushrooms - Quarter mushrooms. (Can be done up to 3 days ahead)
Slow cook seitan - Heat a Dutch oven with first portion of cooking oil over medium heat. Add seitan and cook on all sides until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, seasoning with some salt and pepper as it cooks. Set seitan aside. Add second portion of cooking oil to pan and then carrots, onions, and mushrooms. Saute until onions are tender, ~5 minutes, adding some more oil if the pan starts to look dry. Add garlic, tomato paste, flour, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until no dry spots remain. Pour wine over vegetables and bring to a simmer. Add stock and bay leaves. Return seitan to pan and bring back to a simmer. Simmer everything together for 5 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours (high for 3 to 4 hours). (If you prefer to use the oven: Cover the Dutch oven, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and bake the dish in the oven at 325F / 163C for 2 hours.) (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)