What is tofu? This question is often asked by people living in the territory of the former post-Soviet space. After all, they are not spoiled by delicacies and often do not know how tasty and healthy some overseas products are. What is tofu? This is cottage cheese made from soybeans with the addition of a thickening substance, which is placed in hot soy milk. This product appeared in China, back in the 3rd century BC. How long has it been? Why don't you take a closer look at this product with a long history?
What is tofu, every Japanese or Chinese knows. In these countries, this product is used by all, without exception. In China, soybeans are on the list of sacred grains. And throughout Asia, this product is an excellent source of protein. Tofu contains a small amount of carbohydrates, is quickly and easily absorbed by the human body, therefore it is used in the diet of not only adults, but also children.
This gentle cottage cheese is actively used in the preparation of the diet by vegetarians. It is sold, as a rule, in vacuum packages that are filled with water. Typically, the product is pasteurized at the factory, so it does not need cooling when closed. But unpasteurized tofu is best stored in a fairly cool place. If you have not used part of the product, then it must be washed, and then again filled with water. It should be changed daily. In general, tofu is better to eat within a week. It can also be frozen and stored in this form for up to five months.
Those who know what tofu is in the know - the product may have a different consistency: be hard or soft. It is because of this that confusion arises with its name: some call it cheese, while others call it cottage cheese.
Tofu dishes will take root on your table, especially if you are a proponent of good nutrition. Here are some recipes to help diversify your diet:
Tofu for breakfast
Take 360 grams of soft bean curd, mash it with a fork, add wine red vinegar (no more than 100 milliliters) and leave it to marinate for half an hour. Now drain the excess vinegar, take a blender and combine the tofu in it with a can of canned salmon (or tuna). In the resulting mass, add finely chopped celery (about one stick), as well as two carrots, an onion and a crushed clove of garlic. Serve this appetizer on roast toasts.
Tofu with rice
This dish is quite original, but it has an excellent taste. Take 230 grams of bean curd and 300 grams of rice, fry everything together in vegetable oil, then pour water, about 200 grams of ketchup into a skillet and salt the contents. All this is brought to a boil over high heat, and then simmer for about 20 minutes under a closed lid.
For sweet tooth
You can also make curd cookies. To do this, add 200 grams of chopped butter, a teaspoon of vanilla sugar, a tablespoon of soda, slaked with citric acid, and 250 grams of flour, pouring it gradually in 200 grams of tofu. Now knead the cool dough. You must roll it on the table to a thickness of at least 5 millimeters, cut it into circles (you can use molds or an ordinary glass), dip each in sugar, and then on a baking sheet greased with fat, send the future cookies to the oven. Baking time - no more than 20 minutes, while the temperature should be about 170 degrees. You can serve it with honey and tea.
Fried tofu, baked, added to salads and many other dishes will not leave you indifferent. Just give it a try. Moreover, this product is now easy to find in stores, and the price of it can not be called fabulous. Its pleasant taste will amaze not only you, but also your family, as well as guests whom you invite for a tasting.