Plant based meat alternatives for Vegetarians
There are many reasons for someone to adopt a vegetarian diet or veganism, ranging from maintaining a healthy body to protecting the environment. The vegetarian lifestyle itself does require a person not to consume animal products. Now you can find lots of alternative products as a substitute for animal food ingredients for vegans. Today, there are several plant-based products that a vegetarian can eat as a substitute for meat. Although there are several, meat substitute products are still in limited numbers. Limitations of meat substitute products and not consuming animal products often make vegetarians confused about choosing substitute food products that also have good nutritional value. For those of you who are a vegan, or on a vegetarian diet program, here are some plant-based meat substitutes that you can eat.
1. Tofu
Tofu has been a staple of Asian society for centuries. Even though it doesn’t have a distinctive taste and requires additional spices to enjoy, tofu is still the right choice for vegetarian and vegan dieters. Tofu is made from coagulating soy milk. In coagulation, the curd will be compacted into blocks or cylinders. Apart from soy milk, tofu base also uses additional ingredients, such as calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride, which can improve nutrition. Certain trademark tofu products are also usually fortified with calcium and vitamin B12.
2. Tempe
Tempe is a plant-based product made from fermented soybeans. Tempe is a typical Asian food. Unlike tofu, which is made from soy milk, tempeh is made using whole soybeans. That cause it has a different nutritional content. Tempeh has more protein, fiber, and vitamins than tofu. Because it is made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is also very good for the digestive system. Tempeh has a strong taste and a denser texture than tofu. Tempe is widely used as an ingredient for meat substitutes. Besides, you can cook it easily, and that temperature can also fill your stomach.
3.Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Texturized Vegetable Protein or TVP is a meat substitute product that has gone through a high-quality process. TVP first appeared in the 1960s by a conglomerate named Archer Daniels Midland. The meat substitute uses soy flour as the base ingredient. In the manufacturing process, the fat content in the material is removed using solvents, so that in the end, it will produce a high protein product and low fat. After the fat-free soy flour is finished, TVP will be extruded into various shapes such as nuggets or chopped meat. TVP can be found frozen, but most of this product is used in frozen processed vegetarian products. TVP itself is tasteless, but it can add a meaty texture to vegetarian dishes.
Apart from the ingredients mentioned above, there are also seitan/wheat flour, mushrooms, and various types of nuts. For those of you who are vegan, meat substitute products are useful, and you can use this for menu variations. Eating vegetables and fruit every day is good, but it would be better if you switch menus. So, you don’t get bored. With this plant-based meat, you can still enjoy eating even if you are on a vegetarian diet or your vegan life.