Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is made from soy flour that has been steamed and dried, making it a delicious and inexpensive protein that vegetarians love. TVP has a texture similar to minced meat, and tastes delicious when cooked with various spices. If you're ready to make delicious dishes using TVP, read Step 1.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cooking with TVP
Step 1. Purchase a TVP
TVP is shaped like dry cereal and can be purchased in plastic or in a resealable container. TVP is quite durable and can be found in supermarkets in the health food section (or in any other grocery section).
- TVP in an unsealed sack has an expiration date of about one year, but TVP stored in an airtight container can last much longer.
- Because TVP is made from soybeans, the price of this food is relatively cheap.
- You can buy flavored TVP, either dried or frozen, which can be added to a variety of dishes. However, because TVP is very easy to cook and season with, it's a good idea to start with dry TVP that is free of additives and flavorings. That way, you can add spices and flavors to your taste, without being contaminated with chemicals.
Step 2. Measure the TVP in the bowl
The texture of TVP is similar to minced meat. Minced meat shrinks and shrinks as it cooks, but because TVP expands when given hot water, the volume of cooked TVP will be much higher. To make a meal for 2-4 people, you will need 2 cups of dry TVP.
Step 3. Add hot water
The ratio of hot water and TVP should be 1:1. To expand TVP, add hot water and leave for 5-10 minutes. The TVP will start to become soft and have a chewy mince-like texture.
- If you like, you can directly add TVP to soups or sauces that have a lot of water. TVP will expand and become part of the dish -- you don't need to develop it separately.
- If your TVP is larger, such as a TVP block, you may want to squeeze out the expanded TVP so that there isn't too much water.
Step 4. Add the herbs and spices
Once your TVP has risen, use the TVP as a canvas and season it with your favorite seasonings, just like any other protein. You can season it with just salt and pepper, sprinkle with Italian seasonings like oregano and sage, or make a spicy TVP with cayenne pepper.
Step 5. Use TVP as part of a meal
You can make tacos or enchiladas from TVP, spicy TVP, TVP burger -- and more. After the TVP expands, you can simply use the TVP as a food filling, such as minced meat.
- You can brown TVP if you want to maximize the taste.
- Try developing TVP with broth instead of plain water.
Step 6. Get rid of the residual TVP
TVP will last if it is still dry, but wet TVP will not last very long.
Method 2 of 2: Trying TVP Recipes
Step 1. Make a TVP burger
If you're craving a burger, TVP can be a substitute for minced beef or buffalo. Serve burgers with fries for a classic meatless meal.
- Develop 2 cups of TVP in vegetable stock.
- Mix salt and pepper to taste.
- Add sweet soy sauce and tomato sauce to taste.
- Mix the eggs to bind the TVP.
- Mix in 1/4 cup flour.
- Form the dough into cakes, then bake on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until brown and crispy.
Step 2. Make TVP nachos
TVP is a good option for a spicy nacho filling. The same recipe can also be used to make taco fillings, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Develop 2 cups of TVP in vegetable stock.
- Mix in a packet of taco seasoning.
- Sprinkle over the tortilla chips, along with the melted cheese, chopped olives, onions, and other fillings.
Step 3. Make TVP spicy
TVP is a great ingredient for soups and hots -- you don't even need to expand it. Make your favorite spicy stir-fry without meat, and add the dry TVP when the water has reduced, at the end of the cooking process. In 10 minutes, the TVP will expand and your food is ready to be served.
Step 4. Make the TVP lasagna
Prepare lasagna based on your favorite recipe. Instead of meat, use the expanded TVP, along with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning between the layers of pasta. Then, bake the lasagna according to the recipe guide.
Tips
- To speed up the development process, add vinegar or other acidic products to the TVP while developing it. Tomato sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar will speed up the development process.
- Small pieces of TVP will expand faster than larger pieces. You can adjust the amount of hot water and soaking time to get the consistency you want. To do the previous tip, you can add breadcrumbs or other flavors to the mixture.
- If you are using a large TVP, you can chop it in a food processor to make the TVP smaller.
