Tofu is sold in all stores, but what is it, and does it destroy rainforests? Modern companies are sourcing soybeans from outside the rainforests, so choose these brands (most of the world’s soy is actually fed to livestock to create meat for humans). Try this recipe for Black Pepper Tofu with Green Beans (Short Girl, Tall Order).
Tofu is simply bean curd, made a bit like cheese, with curds and whey. It has no taste (cookbook author Sarah Kramer says that ‘saying you don’t like tofu, is like saying you don’t like cake flour!’ Firm tofu is chopped and marinated for dishes like curry. And Silken Tofu looks like custard, and is used to replace cream or eggs in desserts. You can freeze tofu, but it’s not advised, as it changes the texture. If you don’t want to use recipes, look in indie health shops for Taifun Organic Tofu Basilico (this is really nice chopped into salads, recycle thet packaging at supermarket bag bins).
Does soy cause cancer? Some say yes, others say no. What is know is that the longest-lived cultures on earth have eaten tofu for thousands of years, and have less cancer than us. Viva! has good info on all the arguments (hormones, rainforests and whether soy gives you ‘man boobs).
Recipes to Use Terrific Tofu
Kung Pao Tofu (The Simple Veganista) is ideal for a stir-fry, adding in a spicy sauce, peanuts and veggies (peppers, courgettes/zucchini, and onions). Keep these recipes away from pets, due to toxic ingredients like garlic, onion, mushrooms etc.
Perfect No-Bake Vegan Cheesecake (Lazy Cat Kitchen) replaces vegan cream cheese with a filling made of silken tofu, cashews and cacao butter.
Tofu Chocolate Mousse (Veggie Desserts) is a simple quick pudding. It only needs 4 ingredients, top with chocolate flakes and coconut whip. Or try this Extra Creamy Chocolate Pudding (Carlo Cao) by a talented Swiss-Italian chef (just 5 ingredients).
Where to Buy Good Tofoo!
Tofoo makes ‘wonky tofu’ by hand in Yorkshire, using a natural seawater extract. This company creates ‘non-soggy tofu’ made with sustainable beans from Italy and Canada. The range includes lots of flavoured items like sausages and a ready-made tofoo scramble.
