There are different theories about the origin of tofu, although it is believed that it originated in China approximately 2000 years ago. However, only recently has it become more popular in the West and more and more people are implementing it in their daily diet.
Perhaps the increased consumption of tofu it has to do with the increase in environmental awareness and people who choose to carry out vegetarian, vegan or at least reduced-meat diets. This is related not only to animal care, but also to carrying out a healthier diet.
And it is that despite the fact that the popularity of veganism is not a recent phenomenon, in recent times there has been a growing interest in knowing everything about this lifestyle, since it not only involves food, but also clothing, transportation , and responsible consumption, among other issues.
However, even today, there is misinformation regarding this type of diet and consumption in general. Many people believe that being a vegetarian or vegan is consuming plants and that those who do so do so because they do not like meat or to avoid harming the various animals. But it’s much more than that.
There are many prejudices and doubts about this type of diet. There are those who say that they are extreme diets, that they do not include the necessary nutrients and that they are much more expensive than other types of food. However, this is not so.
A vegetarian diet carried out consciously and with the advice of a specialized doctor can increase endurance and cardiovascular recovery in athletes, as well as reduce the risk of suffering from atherosclerosis, hypertension, overweight or diabetes. In addition, it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
Likewise, There are various foods that collaborate with this type of diet adding different nutrients such as tofu, textured soybeans, seeds, nuts, seitan, chickpeas, beans, lentils, quinoa, among others.
For this reason, today we want to talk particularly about the tofu: what is it made of? Is it only for people who have a vegetarian or vegan diet? How to cook it? What recipes can be made with it? How to keep it?
Tofu: what is it made of
The tofu is one of the basic ingredients in Thai and Chinese cuisine, and in recent years especially began to be used as food in various diets. Even more and more, it is possible to see it in different food houses, in salads, milanesas, soups, wraps, among others.
But, what is tofu made of? What is eaten when this food is eaten? First of all, it should be noted that the same It is produced by curdling soy milk, that is, the liquid that results from soaking the grains, grinding them and filtering them. It is then made up of soybeans, water and a coagulant, which solidifies the soy milk, with a procedure very similar to that of cheese making.
Photo: Adobe Stock
There are various theories about its origin, although it is known that it is eastern. Some stories consider that, more than 5 thousand years ago, the Emperor Shen Nung taught his people how to farm, including soybeans, where tofu comes from, which was very popular to substitute meat between 179-122 BC, especially in the poorest families.
According to these same theories were the Buddhist monks and nomadic tribes who spread it throughout the countries of the Asian continent. However, when arrived in Japan in the 8th century, at first they called it okabe. It was known as tofu only in 1400 AD
It was like that in the In the 1960s, interest in healthier eating led to the custom of tofu reaching the West. This ingredient is a good source of protein, as well as iron and calcium and contains all eight essential amino acidsin addition to minerals such as manganese, selenium and phosphorous.
Where to buy and how to store tofu
Tofu can be found at any diet or natural food house and comes in different presentations. can be purchased at block or in individual packages refrigerated. Also, you can get it at sealed packages that do not need refrigeration until they are opened, which is a good option if you have limited space in your refrigerator.
No matter which presentation you choose, once opened it is necessary to wash it, and leave them in a container, covered by water in the refrigerator. It can last fresh for up to a week, as long as the water is changed frequently. On the contrary, if left in the unopened original package, tofu lasts up to approximately 5 months.
Tofu: how to cook
As mentioned earlier, tofu is increasingly known by people and implemented in meals. However, despite having a cheese-like texture, many have complained that it has no flavor. However, at this point it should be noted that although tofu is neutral, it mixes well with almost all foods and the spices since it absorbs all the flavors of the same
This ingredient can be eaten sautéed, in smoothies, milanesas or in any way you can think of. Those that are extra firm are best for baking, grilling, or sautéing; On the contrary, the one with a softer texture is better for sauces, desserts or drinks.
Recipes with tofu
Below, we share some quick and easy recipes so you can implement this ingredient in your meals.
Pasta With Vegetables. Cook 400 grams of the pasta that you like the most and in a separate pot sauté ½ bunch of asparagus and 2 cloves of garlic with olive oil. When it is golden add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of spinach. Season.
In turn, sauté 300 grams of tofu cut into medium rectangles with olive oil, season with whatever you like. It can be salt, pepper and sweet paprika and add it to the preparation of vegetables. Integrate with the pasta and add two tablespoons of soy sauce. When it comes to plating, you can add a few seeds on top of what you like the most to give more satiety.
Grilled tofu with vegetables. This dish does not fail when it comes to cooking both for one person and for several. Boil 1 cup of rice as desired. In another saucepan, sauté in olive oil over high heat 3 onions, some pieces of broccoli. Add 200 grams of tofu cut into pieces and 4 tablespoons of soy sauce. Serve the white rice and on top that mix of vegetables and tofu. Remember that the more condiments and vegetables that are added, the more flavor the tofu will absorb.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Tofu sandwiches. The croquettes are a classic. They can be made from different things and tofu is no exception. Sauté in olive oil the vegetables that you like the most, it can be an onion and spinach for example. Season with salt and pepper, season with nutmeg and add 2 cups of finely chopped tofu. Let cool.
Add 2 tablespoons of grated cheese, 2 beaten eggs, a splash of milk and 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix everything, form balls and fry in oil.
If you wish, when serving it can be made with a sauce to accompany it, such as tomato, spicy or guacamole, for example.
Smoothies. No, it’s not a mistake. With tofu you can not only make salty meals but also shakes of this style, since it is a very versatile ingredient. In this case, the proposal is a type of banana, strawberry and tofu smoothie. The best thing about this recipe? It’s super easy and really fast.
You will need 1/2 cup of cubed tofu, 1 scoop of strawberry ice cream, 1/2 cup of this fruit, 1/2 banana, and 1 cup of almond milk. All this take it to the blender or processor until you get a smooth consistency. Add ice and sweetener.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Now you know all about it tofu: what it is made of, how to cook and preserve it and some recipes to implement it in your meals.
Source: BBC, Easy Kitchen,