Kathryn, another question for you

[Elaine Keller]

Kathryn,

I read your post about the mock chicken salad and it sounds interesting. Please tell me about tempeh. I'm not vegetarian so I've never had it. What section of the store will I find it and what are some other ways you like to use it? Thanks so much!

 

[pixie9]

Not Kathryn here but I do buy tempeh at Whole Foods. It's kept in the refridgerated section of my store next to all of the other tofu stuff.
Personally, I like the "facon bacon" style but I think they are all great. I'm sure Kathryn may have some other ideas on how to use it but I just fry it(with canola and soy sauce). I like it by itself or on a tomato sandwich.
carolyn

 

[kathryn]

Hi, Elaine!
Tempeh is a whole soy product, that is used in Indonesia a lot. It is cultured soybeans (a special mold is added to the beans, and it grows between them....sounds gross, but it's not. Kind of like cheese!). This culturing process makes the beans easier to digest, so some people who have difficulty with soy (gas!) may have an easier time with Tempeh. And the process also makes the protein more easily assmilated.

When I first started using Tempeh (1970's), I used to fry it in a pan, and it tasted like chicken/fish to me.

There are several books out with just recipes for tempeh, or you can look up some recipes on the internet.

After steamiing (unless it says it's precooked and ready to eat), you can grate or mash it and use it like I do in salads/spreads. You can blend it to make a base for dips. You can crumble it, with or without frying, to add to chili or other recipes instead of meat. You can bake or broil it.

You won't find it in most grocery stores (maybe in big cities?). If it's there, it would be in the natural foods or the international foods section, frozen or refrigerated.

I buy mine at health food stores. It's not very expensive at all.

 

[Elaine Keller]

Thanks Kathryn,

I do about 1/3 of my grocery shopping at a natural foods store and think I'll get some next time I'm there. It seems that when I eat a good amount of soy I get some relief from perimenopausal symptoms. Plus it really satisfies my hunger and keeps me feeling full for a good amount of time. Not to mention all of the other health benefits.

I do have a couple of vegetarian cookbooks that I'll put to use when I try it.

I think I should consider becoming vegetarian. I love fish and eat it a few times a week but tend to eat very tiny portions of the chicken or beef I cook for my family if I eat it at all. I like the taste of meat but feel better when I don't eat that much.

Thanks again so much!