All About Tofu

Tofu

Tofu, also known as bean curd, has become a recent rage. It is the most preferred alternative to meat and cottage cheese, and vegans love it too! There are a lot of preconceived notions about tofu, which is why we’re here to help you know all about it! Read on to find out more about this versatile ingredient.

Origin Of Tofu
Tofu is believed to have originated in the Chinese Han dynasty. It then spread to more East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, most likely as a result of the spread of Buddhism.  There are more theories about its origin, but none with concrete proof.

How Is Tofu Made
Tofu is made from soybeans. These beans are soaked in water then boiled, and then strained to make a liquid. Then a natural firming agent, like calcium or magnesium, is used to set the liquid. This process is similar to making paneer. The set liquid or the curd is then pressed hard from both sides to reduce the liquid content. The firmness of any tofu block is defined by the amount of water it has.

Types Of Tofu
Tofu has three main types - silken, firm and extra firm.
Silken tofu is great for sauces and desserts. It is extremely soft and creamy.
Firm tofu has lesser water content than silken and is good for salads and stir-fry.
Extra firm tofu is the firmest type of tofu and is perfect for dishes that involve grilling and marinating.

No matter what type of tofu it is, there will be a need to press it to some extent to make it less soggy.

Nutritional Content 
Tofu is known to detoxify the body. It's a very healthy alternative to meat. It is high in protein, between 5.3% to 10.7% depending on the kind of tofu. It also contains a lot of proteins, calcium, magnesium, amino acids and Vitamin B. It promotes increased bodily function and reduces the risk of breast cancer and diabetes.

Uses Of Tofu
Tofu has a very subtle taste, it can absorb the flavours around it. This is why it is known as a ‘culinary chameleon’. It is used a lot in vegetarian diets and Asian preparations. You can puree it, fry it, crumble it, grill it, bake it, marinate it, roast it, make a tofu stir-fry or even use it raw – it will not disappoint you.

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Indulge in some flavourful tofu dishes wit these easy Tofu Recipes,