• What do we know about tofu ?
• Nutritional properties of tofu
• Make tofu ?

A few months ago, we described the essential products of a vegan diet, including tofu, whose role in preparing meat-free meals is invaluable. Today, we decided to continue this thread by providing more detailed information about this unusual cottage cheese and adding a handful of interesting ideas for dishes featuring tofu.

What do we know about tofu ?

As mentioned above, tofu is a specific type of cottage cheese obtained by curdling soy milk. According to sources, it was already known in the 2nd century BC and was first tried in China. This product is very popular in Asian countries, although its Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai versions differ slightly from the original (it is usually thinner and a bit more delicate). Importantly, tofu is an extremely healthy product because it is low in calories and rich in numerous vitamins and minerals. It's no wonder it is so often a staple ingredient not only in vegan diets but also in numerous weight-loss programs.

Nutritional properties of tofu

Since we have already mentioned the health benefits of tofu, it is definitely worth exploring this topic in more detail.

• First of all, this product is an invaluable source of protein (half a jar of tofu contains about 10 g of protein).
• Second, it is a treasure trove of vegetable unsaturated fats.
• Third, it is cholesterol-free.
• Fourth, tofu contains significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin E, K and vitamin B.

How does it affect our body's functioning? Studies show that consuming soybean curd reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, consuming tofu has a positive effect on the condition of our skin, hair, and overall well-being, and makes our bones much stronger.

Make tofu ?

A very popular dish is stir-fried vegetables with tofu, enhanced with the flavor of soy sauce, chili, and toasted sesame seeds. Tofu is also an ingredient in many casseroles and salads, and it's also a great addition to Asian (e.g., Thai) soups. This product is often used as a substitute for ground meat, so we can add it to the vegan version of Bolognese sauce.

It also creates a wonderful flavor when combined with sweet syrups (including maple syrup) and honey—best served with nuts or coconut flakes. And let's not forget the vegan breakfast classic: scrambled eggs with tofu, also known as tofu. Of course, there are many other variations—especially when our kitchen includes not only traditional tofu, but also its smoked version or flavored with certain spices, such as basil.

As you can see, tofu is an extremely healthy option, and at the same time—when prepared skillfully and creatively—it's exceptionally tasty and original. It's also worth mentioning that it's not only a great ingredient in oriental dishes, but also because of its non-invasive flavor, we can successfully add it to various dishes. It's worth a try!