Textured Vegetable Protein

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a low-fat, high-protein meat substitute, that is used in a variety of delicious foods these days. As it is made from whole or defatted soybeans, it is also known as textured soy protein, soy meat or simply soy protein. It is a great alternative to ground meat and is enjoyed by vegetarians and health conscious people.

Facts about Textured Vegetable Protein

• This vegetable protein is a food product made from soybeans.
• Soybeans are ground to form flour after oil has been extracted from them. The soy is then texturized by a process known as extrusion cooking into granules of varying sizes.
• TVP is available as flakes, crumbles or chunks of various sizes.
• The protein content of TVP is almost equal to that of meat. However, it is free of saturated fat.
• It is inexpensive and available at prices far less than beef or chicken.
• TVP has about 80 calories in each dry serving of ¼ cup.
• As TVP is made from soybeans, it is rich in minerals like calcium and iron.
• Dry TVP has a long shelf life of almost a year, however, once rehydrated, it should be used at once.

Textured Soy Protein Recipes

Vegetarian Sausage
Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy meat
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ ground coriander
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¼ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• Cooking oil

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy chunks and all the spices mentioned above. Pour some boiling water over the mixture and let it stand for about 5 minutes. When all the water is absorbed by the protein, stir in the flour and eggs. Mix well and keep aside. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape the mixture in small pieces to resemble sausages. Shallow fry them over the oil until brown on both sides. Serve with ketchup or any other spicy sauce.

Meatless Chili
Ingredients:

• 1 cup textured vegetable protein
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• 2 cans beans
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup diced bell pepper
• 1 can Mexican style stewed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
Take beans in a large pot. Add to it tomatoes, tomato sauce and soy protein. Put some water in the pot and bring to boil. In a large skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers. When the onions become transparent, add the mixture to the beans. Then add the spices and other ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 hour. Serve hot!

Meatless Meatloaf
Ingredients:

• 2 cups TVP
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together TVP, eggs, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Then add garlic salt, chili powder and garlic pepper. Blend well and shape it to form a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 275 degree, for about 35 to 40 minutes. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes, and its ready to be sliced and served!

It can be added to any recipe that calls for ground meat. TVP tastes just like meat but you cannot just open the packet and heat it like meat. It has to be moistened and rehydrated before cooking. So all you health freaks, go ahead and enjoy the delicious and nutritious textured vegetable protein!