Maybe you already know what tempeh is, or, it’s your first time hearing about it; this soy based product is something every kitchen should have. This staple of the South East Asian region is a new candidate in the market that has some excellent benefits you will be enthralled by. Snacking and cooking are dynamic and there are constant evolutions that try to experiment with healthier and tastier options. Tempeh is both healthy and tasty.
Whether you want to add something different to your daily diet, cook up a storm with a new ingredient or are looking for a new ‘meat but not meat’ variant for your Meatless Monday, this ingredient is the perfect fit. It is a great blessing for vegans and vegetarians as well looking for a rich source of protein that is also a powerhouse of flavour.
What Exactly Is Tempeh?
Okay, you know now that there is a food item called Tempeh. But what exactly is it? We’ll tell you. Tempeh is a power-packed food made from soybeans; cooked and fermented into cakes. It is a traditional Indonesian food and is a great source of protein. It has a nutty texture with an earthy taste and is chewier than tofu. A controlled fermentation process is used to bind the soybeans into cakes along with preferred spices. Apart from soybeans, other grains can also be used to make tempeh.
How Can You Incorporate Tempeh In Your Diet?
This powerhouse of nutrition is such a versatile food item that it can be used in several ways. The easiest way is to add it to your classic stir-fry dishes and enjoy both healthy and flavourful bites. It can also be used in salads and sandwiches as the main ingredient. Since it is a great substitute for meat, you can even cook up meaty dishes by alternating the meat with tempeh. These days, tempeh can also be found as a great snacking option so that is another way for you to include this food in your daily diet.
Tempeh Myths Exposed
Given tempeh is new in the Indian food market and industry, there are some tempeh myths that we must bust for you. Here are some Tempeh myths exposed:
1] Tempeh Are Just Soya Chunks
Among the common tempeh myths is that these are soya chunks. No, absolutely not. Soya chunks are rough in texture and are made after the soya bean oil has been extracted. Soya chunks are made of soy flour. Tempeh on the other hand is healthier, with no added flavours or preservatives. They are made by fermenting soybeans, compressed to make cakes contrasting the soy chunks. They also contain different levels of nutrient properties. While Tempeh can be eaten raw, soya chunks need to be cooked before consumption.
2] Tempeh Is Just Tofu
They are both definitely plant-based products, both made of soybeans but they are not the same. This is another one of the tempeh myths that can confuse people into believing they are the same thing. Tempeh is a dense cake that is made from the process of fermentation. Soybeans as well as other grains like rice, brown rice, millet or spices are added. It is chewy and earthy in flavour. Tofu on the other hand are blocks of curd made from soy milk. It is processed and not fermented. It has a neutral flavour and is of a smoother texture.
3] Tempeh Is Not As Healthy As Tofu
While they are both soy based foods, is tofu healthier than tempeh? Although they possess several nutrients, tempeh is the lead here. It has more protein and fibre content than tofu. Apart from that, it is a fermented product that makes digestion easier. Contrary to tofu, it is also not very processed which is an added benefit. It also combines legumes, grains and other spices that give it more nutrient content than tofu which is simply a by-product of condensed soy milk.So, yet another tempeh myth exposed; we have tempeh for the winner here.
4] Tempeh Can Make You Fat
But, tempeh has more protein content.. So it might be fattening, right? That is absolutely not true. Although it has more of the fibre and protein content, it actually is the biggest boon for you in your weight loss journey. These two are significant nutrients that boost weight loss.In fact, the high protein content keeps you feeling satiated and alleviates any hunger pangs. Thus, they prove to be great meal time options as well as snacks.
5] Tempeh Is Not As Healthy As Meat
Here’s another one of the tempeh myths that is actually out for quite a debate. Nonetheless this one is also definitely not true. Meat and tempeh are both rich sources of protein; although tempeh has a slightly lower content. Tempeh is used as an alternative or a substitute for meat and has several other micronutrients that make it equally healthy. Tempeh also has more manganese content than meat.
We’ve debunked some common tempeh myths for you, so now all you can do is enjoy this delicious food and stress over nothing. Tempeh is great not just because of its nutritional values but also serving as a choice to divulge into something new and different. So, the next time you are brainstorming on what to cook next, try out this awesome food item as you enjoy its wonderful flavour.
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