Loaded BBQ Seitan Sandwich

Do you ever just crave something that's so delicious and balanced texturally, that you literally do not want to take a breath between each bite?  (If not, I'd have to go ahead and say you're CRAZY!)  This is my feeling about this sandwich...and if we're being honest, my intentions were only to eat half of it in order to make sure everything was just right...but I ended up eating the whole thing in record time, and did not put it down until it was finished!  Mildly put, I inhaled it!!  This is one of those "no fuss", quick meals that requires very little prep work, (or even knowledge of cooking!)...and it is EXTREMELY satisfying.  If you have husbands out there who are skeptical of anything "veg" (like mine is)...they will LOVE you for making this...frequently! I dare you to try this one out and tell me it's not incredible...go ahead!

The few ingredients you will need are:

1 package of Seitan (AKA "wheat meat")  It's really high in protein, and low in calories, making it a much better option than the pork or red meat that this sandwich is usually made with.  (You will more than likely have to go to a health food store for this, unless you're lucky enough to have a Whole Foods in your city!)
1 c. of your favorite bbq sauce...I personally will always choose Organicville BBQ Sauce, because unlike most bbq sauces out there...this one has no sugar and no high fructose corn syrup (or more currently known as "corn sugar")...plus it tastes AMAZING!  When I don't have time to make my own sauce...I use this one!
2 T. liquid smoke (this could probably be optional, but I like to give this sandwich a smokey flavor...I think it adds to the authenticity) (usually liquid smoke can be found down the bbq sauce and ketchup aisle...just in case you were wondering)
1 t. garlic powder

-Empty any liquid off of the Seitan, and "shred" with a fork like you would with chicken or pork.  (It's not going to be stringy like either of those meats, but you'll get a good textured shred from it)

-Place in a small pot over medium heat, and add:

bbq sauce
liquid smoke
garlic powder

-Cover and simmer on medium for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate the flavors

-Lower heat to low, keep covered, and let it cook for another 40 minutes at least...just remember, the longer you cook it, the better the flavor.  I did mine for close to 1 1/2 hrs total.

-This is loosely optional, and I say "loosely" because it adds so much to the sandwich that I'd hate to see it without...however, I do understand that there are some people out there who have yet to learn the appreciation for mushrooms and onions!  In extra virgin olive oil, saute 1/2 large onion and 8 oz of mushrooms until onions are translucent...season with a little salt and pepper.

Assembly:

Toast your favorite whole wheat buns for added texture, place a few scoops of BBQ Seitan on the bottom, next, mushrooms and onions, then the rest is up to your interpretation...I did:

Pickles and vegan mayonnaise

You could also do:

baked onion rings (these are AMAZING...wish now that I would've had some for tonight!!)
lettuce
tomato
banana peppers
jalapeno peppers

-Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries, onion rings, or french fries, and you've got yourself one comforting meal that any husband would beg to eat over and over again!

-Note:  the number of sandwiches you get out of this depends on how much BBQ Seitan you use...I'd guess that you should get 4-5 out of this!