This savory stew can restore the weary and energize those who are feeling fine. Garlic, hiziki, and shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their immune-enhancing properties. Sweet butternut squash fills the pot with the delicious taste of autumn. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Serves: 4 to 6

• 12 ounces seitan
• 2 cups dried hiziki
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thickly sliced
• 1 cup coarsely chopped onions
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh shiitake mushroom caps
• 3 1/2 cups butternut squash, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon dried nettles, optional
• 2 tablespoons mirin

Reserving the liquid, cut the seitan into one-inch cubes and set aside. Cover the hiziki with two cups of the water and soak ten minutes, or until tender and triple in size.

While the hiziki is soaking, heat the oil in a six-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, and sauté five minutes, or until onions begin to soften.

Add the hiziki and soaking water to the pot along with the remaining ingredients, including the reserved seitan liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer covered for twenty minutes, or until the squash is tender. Add more water as needed.

Adjust the seasonings, if desired, and serve hot.

For a change…

• Substitute tofu or tempeh for the seitan.
• Add a tablespoon of grated ginger, and sauté along with the onion and garlic.

Leslie Cerier is a gourmet organic caterer, cooking instructor, nutritional expert, advocate for sustainable agriculture, and award-winning photographer. She is the author ofGluten-Free Recipes for the Conscious Cook, ^[1]Going Wild in the Kitchen ^[2], The Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet ^[3] and coauthor of Sea Vegetable Celebration ^[4]. A pioneer and national authority on wheat-free baking, cooking with wild foods and whole grains, she has developed recipes for organic food companies and published dozens of articles on vegetarian cooking, nutrition, and organic lifestyle. You can visit her website at LeslieCerier.com. ^[5] 

• Here are more sea vegetable recipes. ^[6]
• Find out more about sea vegetables. ^[7]
• Here are more easy seitan recipes. ^[8]