Oven-Braised Sweet-and-Spicy Stew with Dried Fruit

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400F.

2. 2

   In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the raisins, apples, apricots, water, wine, vinegar, shallots, cumin, and bay leaf.

3. 3

   Over high heat, bring the ingredients to a low boil, then remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture stand, allowing the dried fruit to soften.

4. 4

   Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or flameproof casserole over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add the seitan cubes and saute them until they are well browned and crispy on all sides (about 15 minutes).

6. 6

   Reserving the juice, drain the softened dried fruit and add it to the seitan along with the carrots.

7. 7

   Simmer the seitan and fruit together for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add the reserved seasoned juice, and cover tightly.

9. 9

   Reduce the oven temperature to 350F.

10. 10

    Cook the stew in the oven until the carrots are tender (about 1 hour).

11. 11

    Remove the stew from the oven and stir once before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.