The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Variety

CAMERON HUBBARD

Tofu. Bean curd. That weird, jiggly stuff those patchouli-smellin', PETA-lovin' hippies buy. And unless you develop some obscure disease that means you must eat tofu or you will die, you are not putting that on your plate.

Tofu, however, is a lot more than soybean curd, although not physically. That white block is all curd, baby, but when it comes to what you can do with it, tofu is a veritable wunderfood.

First, the basics. To create blocks of tofu, manufacturers coagulate soy milk, take the curds and press them into blocks of tofu. Alone, tofu has little flavor, but takes on that of whatever you prepare it with.

Tofu is also a healthy alternative to meats and other food products. Of course, meat provides more protein per bite, but when you just can't stand to eat any more chicken or beef, tofu is an easy, truly affordable option.

To create a more meaty texture, buy a firm or extra firm block of tofu, drain as much water from it as possible and then freeze it in a plastic bag. Once frozen, place tofu in the refrigerator to defrost. You can once more squeeze as much water from it as possible. When prepared for cooking this way, the tofu takes on a more crumbly, rough texture, which is a much closer approximation to meat.

If you're of a more gastronomically adventurous ilk, you also can prepare smoothies, cakes and pies with silken tofu. If you puree the silken tofu, it will take on a creamy, smooth texture that mixes well into smoothies, pies and other dishes. Also, the tofu brings protein into the mix.

Of course, the world of tofu expands beyond meat replacement and smoothie additions. It is a versatile item that can run the gamut from savory to sweet.

Furthermore, those trying to be a little more "green" can rejoice in tofu's reduced environmental impact. Simply put, a plant-based diet requires fewer resources than a meat-based one. This isn't an advertisement for turning vegetarian, so the numbers can stay out of it. I promise they're there, though. Look it up if you're curious.

Regardless of views on the meat industry, one need not be a tree-hugging, card-carrying veggie to enjoy what tofu has to offer. The only requirements are an open mind and a willingness to set aside the "ick" factor that comes into most people's minds at the idea of eating bean curd.


- Cameron Hubbard is a staff writer for The Red & Black.

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