5/17 The Truth About Tempeh
Tempeh is a protein packed super-food made out of soybeans and whole grains such as barley, brown rice and millet. You will find it in the natural food section of your local grocery store (usually near the soy milk) and in all health food stores. It has a very firm texture and a somewhat unappealing appearance. It looks like exactly what it is…whole beans and grains in a compressed block. It is inexpensive, high in fiber and crammed with as much protein as a side of beef.
I have always had an on-again off-again relationship with tempeh. I would buy it because it made me feel like a competent vegetarian and then I would find it in the back of the fridge two months later completely petrified. I have had it in restaurants and thought…I could love you, but have never been able to follow through at home.
Today, all that changed. The clouds parted, the vegan angels sang as Sandy grilled her way to tempeh stardom. The tempeh she made was juicy, succulent and crave-able. The most amazing part is that the protein for our dinner was $1.00/per person. A package of tempeh is about $2.00 and it has two servings. That is something we can all wrap our mind around!
The tip that made all the difference in the world was to blanch it first like you would a veggie. It was like cracking the Davinci Code. Once I started looking for tempeh recipes, I realized that everyone is doing it! This softens it up and allows it to soak up all of your yummy marinade of choice. Sandy then grilled it with veggies and served it with brown rice. We have already been dreaming up the myriad or marinades we are going to try.
Tempeh and I are on again and maybe this time….for the long haul. Try it because you are curious. Try it so you can tell your friends at work you cooked tempeh. Try it because it is really cheap and great for you. The crib sheet for Sandy’s Teriyaki Tempeh Marinade and how to prepare the meal is in the recipe section.
Share your truth about tempeh. We would love to hear from you.
Have a great day!
Tags: compassionate eating, tempeh, teriyaki marinade, teriyaki tempeh, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan entree
