Tofu is a soybean product known to all vegetarians. It has absolutely no taste, so this type of cheese can be used for both salty and sweet dishes.
What is tofu for?
Vegetarians do not eat animal products, that is, meat, eggs, cheese. And these foods, in turn, are the main source of protein for people who do not follow such dietary restrictions. But vegetarians were able to find a great way out of the situation and diversified their diet with tofu cheese.
This type of cheese, like many other vegetarian products, is made with soybeans. It is a kind of food substitute of animal origin, rich in proteins. It is made from soy milk, condensed with the help of special oxidizers and pressed into a bar. The neutral taste of tofu ensures its addition to the first and second courses, and to desserts. It is not uncommon for manufacturers to make tofu with various additives so that it can be cooked without spices or used raw.
Tofu comes in a variety of thicknesses and textures, which also make it a versatile culinary experience. It can be very dense, like classic hard cheese, or quite light, like thick cream.
The benefits and harms of tofu cheese
The main plus of tofu is, of course, that it is a wonderful source of protein for people who do not consume animal products. It is rich in calcium and B vitamins, which is of significant value for the condition of the skin and the human nervous system. It is a dietary and low-calorie product that can effectively lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body. This has a beneficial effect on the state of the cardiovascular system.
But this valuable product has its drawbacks. Frequent consumption of tofu can provoke an iron deficiency, because phytic acid, contained in soybeans in large quantities, simply prevents iron and some other elements from being absorbed and removes them from the body. Excessive consumption of soy food can trigger some reproductive system problems, such as a deterioration in the quality of sperm in men. Plus, soy can impair thyroid function.
But everything, of course, depends on the amount of the product used. You should not include tofu in your daily diet, you should limit yourself to 4-5 days a week. In addition, a serving per person should not exceed 70-80 grams. If you follow these tricks, then tofu will only benefit your body.
Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Soup
- vegetable broth - 1.5 l;
- hard tofu - 100 g;
- fresh champignons - 100 g;
- large carrots - 1 pc;
- garlic - 1 clove;
- hot pepper - 1 pc;
- ginger - 150 g;
- noodles - 50 g;
- soy sauce - 3 tablespoons;
- salt to taste;
- fresh greens - to taste.
Step by step recipe
- Put the vegetable broth on the fire. At this time, peel the ginger and grate it on a fine grater. Peel the hot peppers from the seeds and cut them into cubes or half rings. Pass the garlic through a press.
- Pour the prepared vegetables into the boiled broth and cook over low heat for about half an hour.
- At this time, cut the tofu into small cubes and marinate it in soy sauce for half an hour.
- Cut the mushrooms and carrots into large pieces. Simmer them in a separate skillet with a little vegetable oil until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the noodles in a separate saucepan according to the instructions on the package.
- When the broth is done, strain it. There should not be any vegetables left in it, they have already given up all their spice.
- Divide the noodles, tofu and stewed mushrooms with carrots into portioned bowls. Pour over the prepared broth and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Breaded fried tofu
- hard tofu - 300 g;
- wheat flour - 30 g;
- bread crumbs - 50 g;
- chicken egg - 2 pcs;
- salt to taste;
- favorite spices (paprika, garlic, etc.) - 1 tbsp;
- vegetable oil for frying.
Step-by-step cooking
- Cut the tofu into small rectangular pieces and pat dry each piece with a paper towel.
- Prepare 3 breading bowls. In the first, combine flour, spices and salt. In the second, beat two eggs. Pour bread crumbs into the third.
- Heat a large amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet so the sticks can be deep-fried.
- Dip each piece of tofu alternately in three bowls: flour-eggs-crackers, and then again in eggs and breadcrumbs. You should have a very dense breading.
- Fry the sticks in hot oil until golden brown. Spread the finished tofu on several layers of paper towels to remove excess cheese. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Banana coffee and tofu smoothie
For two servings you will need:
- cold milk - 300 ml;
- soft tofu - 50 g;
- banana - 1 pc;
- instant coffee - 3 tsp;
- sugar, cinnamon and other spices to taste.
To prepare this original drink, you just need to mix all the ingredients in a blender bowl until smooth. Adding different types of spices like cloves, cocoa or vanilla will help you make the drink perfect for yourself.
Chocolate dessert with tofu
- soft tofu - 350 g;
- dark chocolate - 250 g;
- banana - 1 pc;
- coconut oil (or butter) - 20 g;
- sugar - optional.
Cooking step by step
- Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a bowl. Add butter to it and microwave until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Whisk the liquid chocolate with the tofu in a blender until smooth, add sugar or sweetener if necessary.
- Put some of the mass in a glass, flatten, put the banana slices. Top with more chocolate, flatten again and garnish with banana mugs.
- Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours and serve. A delicious and quick dessert is ready.
