What is tofu?

What is tofu? Such a question is often asked by people living in the territory of the former post-Soviet space. After all, they are not spoiled with delicacies and often do not know how delicious and useful some overseas products are. What is tofu? This is a curd made from soybeans with the addition of a thickening agent, which is put in hot soy milk. This product appeared in China, back in the 3rd century BC. How long has it been? Why do not you learn more about this product with centuries of history?

What is tofu, knows every Japanese or Chinese. In these countries, this product is used by all without exception. In China, soybeans are on the list of sacred cereals. And throughout Asia this product is an excellent source of proteins. Tofu contains a small amount of carbohydrates, quickly and easily absorbed by the human body, so it is used in the diet of not only adults but also children.

This gentle cottage cheese is actively used in making diets for vegetarians. It is sold, as a rule, in vacuum packs, which are filled with water. Usually the product is pasteurized at the factory, so it does not need to be cooled when closed. But unpasteurized tofu is best stored in a cool enough place. If part of the product you did not use, then it must be washed, and then poured again with water. It should be changed daily. In general, tofu should be consumed within a week. It can also be frozen and stored in this form for up to five months.

Those who know what tofu, in the course - the product can have a different consistency: be hard or soft. It is because of this that there is confusion with its name: some call it cheese, others call it cottage cheese.

Dishes from tofu will perfectly get accustomed on your table, especially if you are a supporter of rational nutrition. Here are a few recipes that will help diversify your correct diet:

Tofu for breakfast

Take 360 grams of soft bean curd, mash it with a fork, add the wine red vinegar (no more than 100 milliliters) and leave it all for marinade for half an hour. Now drain the excess of vinegar, take the blender and combine the tofu with a can of canned salmon (or tuna). In the resulting mass, add finely chopped celery (about one stick), as well as two carrots, a bulb and a crushed clove of garlic. To serve such a snack is necessary on ruddy toast.

Tofu with rice

This dish is quite original, but it has an excellent taste. Take 230 grams of soy cottage cheese and 300 grams of rice, fry all together in vegetable oil, then pour water into the pan, about 200 grams of ketchup and salt the contents. All this is brought to a boil over high heat, and then stewed over low heat for about 20 minutes under a closed lid.

For sweet tooth

You can also cook the cottage cheese pastry. To do this, you need 200 grams of tofu to add 150 grams of chopped butter, a teaspoon of vanilla sugar, a tablespoon of soda, slaked citric acid, and 250 grams of flour, pouring it gradually. Now knead the dough. You should roll it up on a table to a thickness of at least 5 millimeters, cut it into circles (you can use molds or a regular glass), dip each in sugar, and then on a baking sheet, greased, send the future cookies to the oven. Baking time - no more than 20 minutes, thus 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 try it. Moreover, this product is now easy to find in stores, and the price for it can not be called fabulous. Its pleasant taste will amaze not only you, but also your family, as well as guests whom you will invite to the tasting.