Tempeh (pronounced “tem-pay”) is a soy protein, like tofu but with a much thicker texture and more flavor.
Tempeh is a complete protein food that contains all the essential amino acids. It is very nutritive and contains many health promoting phytochemicals such as isoflavones. The soy protein and isoflavones have many health benefits. Isoflavones strengthen bones, help to ease menopause symptoms, reduce risk of coronary hearth disease and some cancers. Tempeh maintains all the fiber of the beans and gains some digestive benefits from the enzymes created during the fermentation process.
I simply cooked this tempeh in a marinade (teriyaki sauce) and ate it in a loaf, but it can be eaten in sandwiches, wraps, salads, stir fries, and many other tempeh recipes.
As one of my (meat-eating) co-workers said, “If McDonald’s sold tempeh burgers, people would be like, ‘This stuff is good!’ ”
Tempeh loaf (cooked in teriyaki marinade), potatoes (blue, red, and yellow), and Harvest Grains Blend (couscous, orzo, and quinoa):
PS – check the Veg Dictionary for foods you may be unfamiliar with, such as couscous, orzo, or quinoa.
3 comments
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betsy shipley says:
Monday, February 15, 2010 at 2:50 pm (UTC -5)
Maybe you would be interested our easy method for making tempeh. We produced Betsy’s Tempeh in Mich. for 9 1/2 years and developed a new user friendly tempeh that everyone loved.
http://www.maketempeh.org
We would love to see small shops producing locally made tempeh providing healthy options while working with organic farmers to grow the beans.
Christina says:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 12:07 pm (UTC -5)
I haven’t tried tempeh yet. I will have to buy some this week. I decided to go vegetarian for lent! I will need some new ideas to cook!
Powered By Produce says:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 12:24 pm (UTC -5)
Awesome on going veg for lent!! Hopefully you’ll like it so much that you’ll stick with it past Easter :)
Tempeh really is good! Edvin even really liked it. It actually has a very good flavor (unlike tofu, which tastes like nothing) and it is thick and hearty. I’ve also tried the tempeh bacon, which is just tempeh in bacon-flavored marinade. It’s pretty good too.