Vegetarian alternative to beef for a Stroganoff that isn't mushrooms or pretend meat?

[LeaveYourHatOn]

Just as the title says really. I need something to put in the stroganoff sauce that isn't mushrooms and isn't quorn or any of those pretend meat veggie things. Not vegetables, either, as we're having them on the side.
I don't mind making something - I was thinking some sort of either lentil or soya mince balls - but they aren't really a similar texture to either beef or mushrooms, and I'm a bit stuck for ideas!

Tinned jackfruit instead of the beef. Sliced smoked tofu instead of mushrooms.

I made stroganoff last night and the mushrooms gave it a good umami flavour.
So something else umami like nutritional yeast maybe.
Vegan Worcester sauce.

Mine had a huge box of mushrooms and some linda mccartney meatballs.

What are you counting as fake meat? Seitan might be good instead of beef.
Or jackfruit as above but I would cook it separately before adding to get some flavour in.

Aubergine can provide similar bite to mushrooms but is harder to cook and would possibly need to be salted first to get the bitterness out

I think I’d go squash or pumpkin and have green vegetables on the side.

If you wanted to make something though how about seitan?

I swear by clearspring soya mince. It's weird. You have to rehydrate it for a few minutes with boiling water. And you'll think 'this can't possibly work', but it really does and it really is yummy! I make a vegan chili 'con carne' and my eldest (who is a meat eater) has no idea it's not real mince in the chili. I imagine with enough creme fraiche and lashings of fresh dill and mushrooms, you won't be able to tell it's not mince in the stroganoff.

Yes I agree, the jackfruit needs some flavouring. I usually rinse it, then saute it in a little bit of oil together with some smoked sweet paprika and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Then add some stock made from Oxo beef-flavour vegan cubes and simmer for a few minutes. Drain and add to sauce.
The smoked tofu adds flavour to the creamy sauce and has a texture similar to sliced mushrooms.

Chick peas

Vegan Worcester sauce.

Isn't this Henderson's Relish?

Would butter beans work?

Biona and (chipi?) make Worcester sauce.
I dont use Henderson relish because it had artificial sweeteners in it, the last time I looked, but it might well be similar.

Tempeh.

Tofu puffs or tofu knots! They're my absolute favourites for braises and stews. I always have a stash of the knots in the cupboard - poss too late for you to get unless you have an Asian food store nearby. These are kind I get:

www.souschef.co.uk/products/dried-tofu-knots

www.orientalmart.co.uk/wing-fat-deep-fried-tofu-puffs

But you can also make the tofu puffs yourself, and then add to the sauce - they have the same mouth feel/chew as mushrooms and beef:

avegtastefromatoz.com/how-to-make-tofu-puffs/

Celeriac, sweet potato, squash?

Seitan - I first tasted it in a salad at Wagamama’s. Then I googled and watched you tube for the recipe. It’s a little complicated at first, but easy when you know how. You can basically make up a whole ‘meat joint’, slice and use in different recipes. Has a similar texture to meat and it has more flavour than tofu.
The gluten flour (main ingredient) can be purchased from larger Holland and Barret stores.

IME cubed roasted aubergines are a good replacement for meat and mushrooms.

Thank you for the suggestions!
Forgot to say that tofu is unfortunately not an option, and I made seiten last year but nobody was very keen.
I actually think the jackfruit might be worth a go here, I think my local supermarket sells tins of it. I hadn't thought of it, so that'll be a good one to try.

I'd use roasted aubergine cubes

Tempeh slices?
Paneer,?
Vegetarian meatballs?

I'd do butternut squash and toasted pine nuts on top but you said not veg.

Puy lentils, kidney beans or butter beans would be my next go to.

I'd probably try something like those Merchant Gourmet Puy lentils, mixed with roasted butternut squash and some chestnuts. Bit of sage to flavour, maybe. In fact, I might try to make this at some point.

Butternut squash works well

Ooh remus that sounds delish

Just realised I'm an idiot tho - I was thinking of a wellington, rather than a stroganoff!

Still sounds amazing!

That does sound delicious, @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie, but does make more sense in a Wellington!

I've zipped out to the supermarket and bought 2 tins of jackfruit.
I am very very excited about this as I have never even tried it before!

Any more tips on how to cook it? I assume drain well, perhaps marinate first? then fry? and then add to the stroganoff sauce?

Chestnuts? Tis the season

Might sound weird but veggie haggis.

Don't knock it til you've tried it. Tastes festive and would work well in the wellington. I'd probably cook it first then remove from its packaging and put it in the pastry and roll it up.

You get it in M&S (and Ocado). It's called Scottish Spiced Vegetable and Lentil Haggis