Textured Vegetable Protein Cooking Instructions

Textured vegetable protein is made from soy and is a great source of protein for vegetarians.

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a soy-based vegetarian protein. It comes in a variety of forms, including chunks, flakes and ground. It is high in protein and low in fat, and is a convenient meat substitute for vegetarians or for people who want to reduce their meat consumption but want to keep eating the dishes they are used to.

Instructions

1. Soak TVP in boiling water until it is tender, about 5 to 10. It can then be seasoned and added to any dish, such a stir-fry or pasta. The ratio is usually about one to one for water and TVP. If the TVP is too chewy or too soft for your liking, experiment and adjust the amount of water until you achieve the consistency you want. You can use any type of stock, such is vegetable or chicken, to rehydrate the TVP if you prefer. The stock will add flavor.

2. Add ground TVP to any dish in which you would use ground beef, such as pasta sauce, chili, or sloppy joes. You can also purchase seasoned TVP, which includes, for example, Italian spices and herbs or Mexican chili flavorings. This type is convenient because it adds flavor as well as the texture of meat. Simply rehydrate the TVP, then add it to the sauce and simmer. If you're using unseasoned TVP, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

3. Simmer the TVP with onion and garlic, and add spices such as chili powder, cumin, coriander and Mexican oregano to use in tacos instead of ground beef or chicken. Place the filling in taco shells and top with your favorite taco garnishes, such as lettuce, tomato, salsa, cheese or sour cream. With all these flavors put together, your guests will have a hard time telling that they aren't eating meat.

4. Soak TVP and use in a vegetarian meat loaf. Be sure to add an egg and some bread crumbs to help the mixture stick together. Since TVP is low in fat it will not stick together as well as meat does. Add other ingredients, such as tomato paste, to add moisture and flavor. And be sure to add extra spices and seasonings if you're using unseasoned TVP.

References

• Recipe Tips: Textured Vegetable Protein
• Canadian Living: TVP Tacos
• The Veggie Table: TVP "Meat" Loaf