An amazing source of vegan protein, the many health benefits of tofu make it an essential part of your daily diet!
The culinary revolution with tofu is much fuelled by social media, but one cannot completely disregard the myriad perks of integrating tofu in diet. In the Asian and Western gastronomical landscape, tofu reigns supreme. What makes tofu an ethical food choice is its low carbon footprint and lesser allocation of natural resources.
Here’s a glimpse of what tofu has to offer:
Heart Health: Due to low saturated fat and zero cholesterol, tofu can contribute to heart health.
Bone Health: The calcium content in tofu maintains bone density and prevents osteoporosis.
Weight Management: Tofu is high in protein and low in calories which aids in weight management.
Digestive Health: Tofu is easy to digest and can be a good protein source for those with digestive issues.
Dissing the pre-packaged meals, try these easy ways to accommodate tofu in your recipes.
Sizzle up your everyday soup with tofu. This soup is made with spinach, broccoli and cilantro and then topped with tofu. You would require a simple assortment of veggies to concoct this creamy bowl which is blessed with nutritional value. Low in saturated fat, you derive the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, and calcium. Once prepared, serve it hot as an evening meal or for dinner.
This dish is bound to be a family favourite. This curry is a canvas of compatible flavours brought about by the spices and sauce. For the spices, use cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, and ground cloves for the authentic and uncompromising Indian taste. What more could be added to the curry to dial up its taste and health quotient? Definitely, diced tomatoes, Greek yoghurt, and frozen green peas, the latter also lends a lovely hue to the dish.
Tofu pad Thai really is a 30-minute recipe and is a satisfying and wholesome plant-based dish, which is perfect both as a take-out option and a home-cooked meal. It has a tangy flavour to be relished and savoured till the last spoonful. What really allures is the variety of textures: the chewy noodles and munchy tofu along with peanuts make it very wholesome. Cooking this sumptuous magic once a week ensures an optimum amount of bean sprouts and veggies intake.
Spinach noodles with stir-fried tofu is a beloved among urban tofu-lovers for it barely takes 15 minutes to prep and offers a palate of yumminess. While frying the tofu, check if it is brown before you remove it. Also, add some sesame seeds and sauce to the noodles once it is adequately stir-fried, to the point where the spinach wilts. Some chilli flakes and minced fresh ginger add to the taste.
When brainstorming ways to include tofu, make sure you fully exploit its sheer versatility:
Grilled or Baked: It can be marinated and grilled or baked.
Soups and Stews: Tofu can be added to soups and stews and slurped for the extra protein.
Smoothies: Silken tofu can be blended into smoothies for a protein boost.
Scrambled: Tofu can be crumbled and cooked like scrambled eggs, often used in vegan breakfasts.
Desserts: Silken tofu is often used in vegan desserts like puddings and mousses.
Tofu’s influence on modern lifestyles is well-traceable, powered by health and wellness trends, environmental and ethical concerns, culinary diversity, and the ever-increasing popularity of plant-based diets. Its accessibility, convenience, and presence explain its pervasiveness in contemporary living. Be sure to experiment with the different textures and tastes. Dig in!
