Tofu cheese: what it is and how to cook it at home

People who practice healthy eating and dieting are more familiar with tofu cheese. Meanwhile, absolutely everyone, including meat-eaters, should pay attention to this unique product.

Tofu is bean curd formed when soy milk coagulates. Externally, the product resembles pickled cheeses and feta cheese. According to legend, tofu was invented back in 164 in China. The discovery is attributed to LuAn, the court alchemist, who was searching for an antidote to immortality on behalf of the emperor. Tofu arose quite unexpectedly: after heating, sea salt accidentally got into the crushed soybeans, after which curdling occurred.

The soy product has become widespread, in addition to China, in other Asian countries. By the way, in China it is called “doufu”, while in the West the cheese is called “tofu” according to the phonetic tradition of Japan. The preparation of this cheese in Japan began later - in the 2nd millennium AD. e. Chinese tofu is more delicate and soft than Japanese, which is due to the traditions of making soy milk.

Types, calorie content, features of tofu

Tofu production today is not much different from ancient times: soybeans are first crushed, followed by heating and curdling using a coagulant. The last one, by the way, is citric acid, magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate. The curd mass is pressed and stored in brine.

Tofu is characterized by a white hue, neutral aroma and taste, and elastic consistency. This cheese forms the basis of the diet in a number of Asian countries, and is also used by vegetarians and vegans around the world.

There are different types of tofu:

1. Dense. This variety has subspecies: Western and Asian. The latter has a lot of liquid, while the western one is drier and denser. Both options are suitable for smoking, deep-frying and frying. On sale you can find dense tofu with all sorts of additives.
2. Soft or silk. This type of cheese has a consistency similar to pudding. This product contains a lot of water, which makes the cheese very tender. More often, this type of tofu is added to soups and sauces, sweet and steamed dishes.
3. "Smelly". Tofu received this name due to its pungent smell. Mostly Chinese chefs add this tofu to certain dishes.

Tofu is high in protein and low in calories - only 73 kcal (some sources indicate 76 kcal). This cheese, consisting of protein, lecithin, soy, linoleic acid, is cholesterol-free. As you know, soybeans, like beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas, belong to the group of legumes, but they stand out from their “colleagues” in terms of nutritional value due to protein and high energy value.

The soy protein contained in tofu is complete, which indicates the content of essential acids that the human body needs. They are not produced by the body and must be supplied with food. For this reason, it is advisable to consume tofu for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Note. 50 g of soybean grain corresponds to 1.5 glasses of milk or 150 g of beef. At the same time, soy protein does not contain harmful purines, which interfere with the absorption of calcium, which cannot be said about animal protein.

Composition and calorie content of tofu cheese

The composition of tofu cheese resembles the composition of classic cottage cheese or cheese.

Table 1. Composition of soy cheese

The energy value of tofu varies from 80 to 100 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. Calorie values ​​vary depending on the type of cheese. There are three varieties of the product: soft, hard and extra-hard. Soft tofu or silken tofu has a pudding-like consistency. Firm tofu is similar to Italian mozzarella. Extra-firm tofu is the firmest tofu, it contains a minimum of liquid and therefore holds its shape perfectly.

What is tofu cheese made from? From soy milk and rennet. The quality of tofu cheese depends on which of the following two methods it was prepared:

• by fermentation: curdled soy milk is pressed and dried in the open air under a layer of hay (to obtain hard varieties) or kept in brines based on fish and vegetables (to obtain soft varieties).
• without fermentation: such cheese is more harmful than useful, since there is no natural fermentation stage in its preparation. Because of this, many harmful components remain in the cheese, which are destroyed during fermentation. Unscrupulous manufacturers exclude the fermentation stage in order to speed up the process of preparing tofu and reduce its cost.

Reference.

Tofu has a low glycemic index, so it is recommended for people suffering from diabetes.

Chemical composition of tofu

100 grams of soy cheese contains on average:

• protein – 8 g;
• carbohydrates – 1.18 g;
• fats – 4.8 g;
• potassium – 121 mg;
• magnesium – 30 mg;
• calcium – 350 mg;
• cholesterol – 0 g;
• iron – 5.4 mg;
• phosphorus – 287 mg;
• B vitamins – 0.09 mg.

Soft tofu contains 5 percent high-quality protein, while firm tofu contains more than 10 percent. Tofu contains essential acids, making it a good substitute for animal products. Thus, soy cheese is recommended for athletes, as well as those losing weight. The product makes it possible to get rid of extra pounds without harming your overall well-being and muscle mass. The only contraindication to using tofu for food is individual intolerance to legumes.

Beneficial features

Just 100 grams of soy product contains as much as 8 grams of protein and 70 calories [2]. What is this if not an ideal option for those losing weight and being “cutting”? Thanks to its neutral taste, tofu will definitely not become boring. Today you make a salty snack, tomorrow a sour lunch, the day after tomorrow a sweet afternoon snack. The taste will be so varied and pleasant that there will be one more required ingredient in the grocery basket.

The main advantage of tofu is the vegetable protein it contains. The percentage of protein varies depending on the structure of the final product. Hard cheese contains about 11% vegetable protein component, soft cheese – 6%. In addition to basic nutrients, tofu supplies the body with iron and essential amino acids.

What else is good about the product [3]?

1. Omega-3. Healthy fatty acids can be obtained not only from fish or seafood, but also from plant foods. The so-called “omegas” improve the condition of the heart, blood vessels, joints, and prevent the development of pathologies and inflammatory processes. Fatty acids also support the health of the visual organs: periodically moisturize the retina, improve vision, and relax the eyes [4].
2. Calcium [5]. This is one of the most important macronutrients needed by everyone, regardless of age and gender. Particular attention to calcium-containing products should be given to children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly [6]. This substance forms the skeletal system, making us stronger and more resilient. The same calcium is responsible not only for physical strength, but also for beauty. The condition of hair, teeth and nails largely depends on calcium intake [7].

45% of the skeletal system is formed before 8 years of age. Over the next 8 years, the remaining 45% will be formed. Be especially attentive to your child's diet during this period and give your baby the maximum allowable amount of important nutrients.

1. Lysine. The amino acid protects the body from viruses (including the human papillomavirus), has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects a person from pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, and is involved in protein synthesis [8]. Lysine deficiency leads to reproductive dysfunction, hair loss, weight loss, irritability, and loss of concentration. One of the side effects of deficiency is hemorrhage in the eyeball.

Tofu as a replacement for protein bars

Protein bars are nothing more than a marketing bait for those who are trying to get their diet in order without understanding the basic rules of nutrition. They are usually used as a snack, without paying attention to glucose surges, abdominal pain and decreased performance. Experts recommend replacing unhealthy protein bars with any superfood, among which tofu stands out.

The soy product will quickly saturate the body, suppress the feeling of hunger for a long time, and charge you with energy not only for training, but also for a walk after it. At the same time, the body receives a supply of nutritious amino acids, the skin absorbs vitamins, the brain is eager to process information, and the conscience is clear and does not even remember the chocolate bar in the pocket [9][10].

Benefit

The high-quality vegetable protein found in cheese is quickly and easily absorbed by the body, serving as the foundation for the construction of cells.

Tofu has a low glycemic index, which stabilizes blood sugar. Polyphenols present in the product help maintain the flexibility of the walls of blood vessels, inhibit the formation of blood clots, and reduce bad cholesterol.

Tofu should be included in your daily diet. This soy cheese is not related to milk and is especially recommended for people with intolerance to animal protein. Thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce cholesterol, the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis is reduced. The magnesium contained in cheese promotes the production of serotonin, which improves mood. Protein can strengthen and build muscles.

Tofu contains phytoestrogens, which act as an analogue of female hormones. Consumption of soy products improves appearance, the skin acquires a healthy tone, and softens the stage of menopause.

Benefits of soy tofu

Thanks to its microelement composition, tofu cheese has beneficial properties for the body. Among them are:

1. The presence of healthy vegetable protein completely satisfies the body's needs. This is important if you have an allergy to cow protein.
2. Amino acid components improve kidney function and reduce the risk of urolithiasis.
3. Regulation of cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
4. Using tofu cheese for weight loss.
5. Immunization of the body thanks to vitamins and microelements.
6. Strengthening bone and dental tissue with minerals (calcium).
7. Improved heart function thanks to potassium.
8. With the help of antioxidants, toxins that contribute to the appearance of malignant neoplasms (tumors) are eliminated.
9. Increased muscle mass. This criterion is valued by athletes, people with increased body weight, and patients undergoing rehabilitation after muscle surgery.
10. An increase in blood iron, which promotes increased production of red blood cells - cells that carry oxygen to tissues. Blood circulation and brain activity improves.

For women

Tofu contains analogues of female sex hormones, which are beneficial during pregnancy planning. When menopause occurs, the number of your own hormones sharply decreases, so the estrogens contained in the product help control their levels. The high content of fiber and proteins contributes to the regeneration (renewal) of the cellular composition of the skin, so tofu is useful for women.

For men

Due to the presence of a large amount of proteins and low fat content, cheese is useful for men who want to increase muscle mass. According to statistics, cardiovascular diseases are more common in males; cheese reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

For children

With the help of vitamin and microelement composition, cheese strengthens the immunity of children. Thanks to proteins, children's bodies grow. The absence of sugar and the presence of calcium makes teeth and bones stronger, reducing the risk of rickets and caries.

Harm

Despite the many valuable properties of soy cheese, the product should be introduced into the diet with caution, since it can cause allergies, and eating in large quantities impairs digestion. In moderate doses, cheese is harmless; you should eat no more than 150 grams per day. Otherwise, negative consequences are possible:

• excess of phytoestrogens (in women);
• sperm concentration decreases;
• phytic acid interferes with the absorption of minerals.

Those who take medications should eat tofu with caution. It is advisable to take medications with a 2-hour break before or after consuming a soy product.

Recipes for making tofu at home

To be honest, it is much easier to buy a soy product in a store than to make it yourself. The process of preparing tofu can be done by anyone, although it is quite cumbersome. For 300 grams of soy cheese you need to pay an average of 120-220 rubles. But if you want to make homemade cheese with your soul, you must first learn how to prepare this product.

There are several cheese recipes that are similar to each other. With citric acid and soy milk, you can make delicious homemade cheese. But if you don’t have such milk on hand or you can’t buy it, then you’ll have to make your own soy milk.

To get soy milk you will need:

• soybeans – kilogram;
• water – 2.5 liters;
• soda - a couple of pinches.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to fill the soybeans with water so that the latter completely covers them. It should be left to infuse for a day.
2. Add two pinches of baking soda to the water to get rid of the taste.
3. You need to change the water several times.
4. After 24 hours, the swollen beans should be washed and minced.
5. The resulting slurry must be poured into 2.5 liters of water and left to infuse for 3-4 hours.
6. Using a colander and gauze folded in 2-3 layers, strain the mixture. The result is vegetarian, healthy soy milk. It can be used to make cheese.

Method No. 1

You need to prepare:

• soy milk – liter;
• lemon juice – 2 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

1. Pour soy milk into a saucepan or saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. When the milk boils, you should immediately turn off the heat and let it sit under the lid for 5 minutes. Milk should be +80…+85 °C.
3. Pour lemon juice into the milk, and then stir the mixture until it completely curdles.
4. Leave the mixture to steep under the lid for about 7-8 minutes.
5. The resulting mass should be filtered through gauze folded in three.
6. The remaining curd must be transferred to a container based on the shape of the future product. It remains to install a press on this mixture, on which the density of soy cheese will depend. It may turn out softer or denser.
7. After an hour, the tofu can be used for food.

Method number 2

When soybean grains are not available in the store, they can be replaced with flour. To make cheese you need to prepare the ingredients:

• soy flour - glass;
• water – 3 glasses;
• lemon – 1 pc.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to dilute the flour with one glass of boiled cold water, transforming it into a homogeneous paste.
2. The mixture should be diluted with two glasses of boiled hot water and mixed thoroughly.
3. Place the saucepan with the mixture on the fire. It is necessary to cook for 12-15 minutes.
4. After the specified time, you need to pour in lemon juice and stir.
5. The mass will curdle, and after the flakes fall out, it should be filtered through gauze folded in 2-3 layers, and then squeezed out.
6. The resulting lump must be transferred to a container and a press installed.
7. After an hour, the product is ready for use.

How to cook tofu

Tofu is considered a lean cheese, the composition of which is 100% determined by soybeans. It contains no preservatives, stabilizers or emulsifiers. The technology for preparing the product is practically no different from the standard method for milk cheese.

Until a few decades ago, recipes used freshly prepared soy milk. To prepare tofu, the beans were first soaked in water until they were completely swollen. Then they ground it and got milk, which was boiled. To make the liquid coagulate, be sure to add a coagulant - sea salt. Then the mass was immediately sent under the press. The result of these manipulations was a natural product with dietary properties.

Modern technologies have greatly simplified cheese making techniques. Today, ready-made soy powder is used instead of beans. Vinegar or citric acid can act as coagulants. The mass is heated for several minutes and distributed into molds, then it is cooled in water for some more time. Manufacturers often add garlic, nuts, olives or herbs to the finished product.

Tofu Cheese Recipes

Soy cheese is widely used in cooking, because this product is equally good for preparing first or second courses, desserts or sauces. Tofu offers a considerable choice regarding culinary processing. Soy cheese can be:

• steam;
• bake;
• smoke;
• cook;
• use as a filling;
• marinate in soy or lemon juice.

Neutral cheese has the ability to absorb foreign smells and tastes, and this partly allows it to be easily combined with a wide variety of ingredients. For example, adding tofu to a spicy sauce will take on the aroma of spices and the taste of pepper, while in a duet with chocolate you will get an amazing dessert. Soy cheese is often eaten as an independent snack. In this case, the cheese is made with the addition of nuts, herbs, and paprika.

The introduction of soy cheese into dishes may depend on its variety. Tender silken tofu reveals itself perfectly in soups, sauces, and desserts. As for dense types of cheese, they are often smoked, pickled, and fried. All kinds of sauces, salads, and stew soups based on this product are widely popular.

Vitamin salad with tofu

• tofu – 100 g;
• tomato – 2 pcs.;
• lettuce – 70 g;
• cucumber – 2 pcs.;
• olives – 30-40 g;
• soy sauce – 2 tbsp. l.;
• olive oil – 2 tbsp. l.;
• sesame – 1 tbsp. l.;
• Provençal herbs – 1 tsp;
• paprika - a pinch;
• lemon juice – 2 tbsp. l.;
• salt - a pinch;
• ground pepper - a pinch.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to wash and dry the salad, and then tear it randomly and place it on a dish.
2. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes and cut them into cubes, then transfer them to lettuce leaves.
3. Dilute the mixture of herbs and paprika in oil.
4. Cut the cheese into cubes and then marinate in the seasoning mixture for 3-4 minutes.
5. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces on a plate with vegetables. Place pitted olives (if desired, olives can be cut into rings) next to the cheese.
6. Pour lemon juice, soy sauce, salt and pepper into the oil.
7. Pour dressing over the finished salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Eggplant with soy cheese

• eggplant – 1 pc.;
• olive oil – 1.5 tbsp. l.;
• tofu – 250 g;
• walnut – 1 tbsp. l.;
• garlic – 2 cloves;
• dill - half a bunch;
• cilantro – 2-3 sprigs;
• green meadow – 3 feathers;
• salt - a pinch;
• ground pepper - a pinch.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to wash the eggplant and remove the stem. You can cut into cubes or cubes, add salt, and then remove for 4-5 minutes.
2. Fry the eggplants in a heated bowl with a teaspoon of olive oil. The latter need to be cooked for about 15 minutes, remembering to turn over.
3. Next you need to start making the sauce. To do this, you need to peel the garlic, wash and dry the cilantro and dill, and then put these ingredients in a blender bowl and beat until smooth.
4. Wash, dry the green onions and chop. Add it to the resulting sauce and then stir.
5. The finished eggplants need to be poured with soy cheese sauce and sprinkled with crushed nuts.

Chocolate mousse with soy cheese

• tofu – 250 g;
• cocoa – 70 g;
• brown sugar – 120 g;
• vanillin – 1 g;
• cinnamon – 1/3 tsp;
• water – 1 glass;
• instant coffee – 1 tsp.

Preparation:

1. The cheese must be mixed with sugar.
2. Dissolve coffee in hot boiled water.
3. Add cinnamon, cocoa, vanillin to the cheese and mix.
4. Next you need to pour in the coffee.
5. Using a mixer, beat the mousse.
6. Transfer the chocolate mousse into small molds and place in the refrigerator for 40 minutes.

Tofu cutlets

• cheese – 350 g;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• breadcrumbs - 6 tbsp. l.;
• olive oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
• olives (pitted) – 40 g;
• fresh basil - half a bunch;
• salt - a pinch;
• ground pepper - a pinch.

Preparation:

1. You need to mash the tofu cheese with butter to get a dough-like texture.
2. The washed and peeled carrots should be grated with a medium or fine grater and chopped basil should be added to it.
3. Olives must be cut into rings.
4. Put carrots, 3 tablespoons of crackers, olives, herbs into the cheese and mix. This mass should be removed for half an hour.
5. After the specified time, with your hands dipped in cold water, you need to form cutlets and roll in breadcrumbs.
6. In a frying pan heated with oil, fry the cutlets on both sides until golden brown.
7. You can serve cheese cutlets with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

Tofu soup

• meat – 250 g;
• tofu – 250 g;
• potatoes – 2 pcs.;
• water – 2.5 liters;
• onion – 1 pc.;
• bell pepper – 1 pc.;
• sunflower oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• salt – 1 tsp;
• ground pepper - a pinch;
• dill - 3-4 sprigs.

Preparation:

1. Wash the beef pulp (you can use chicken, turkey, pork) thoroughly and cut into small pieces.
2. In a frying pan heated with oil, fry the meat on medium heat on both sides. Add salt, pepper and stir.
3. Transfer the meat to a saucepan.
4. Washed and peeled carrots need to be cut into cubes.
5. Cut the peeled onion into small cubes.
6. Place onions and carrots in a frying pan heated with oil.
7. Wash and peel the bell pepper from the stalk, seeds, and membranes. Cut the vegetable into cubes, which are sent to the sautéed vegetables. Fry the vegetables until soft (no more than 3 minutes).
8. Transfer the vegetables to the pan with the meat.
9. Washed and peeled potatoes should be cut into cubes and placed in a saucepan. Add cold water, put on fire, covering the pan with a lid.
10. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft (about 20 minutes).
11. Then add tofu cheese cubes to the soup and add salt. As soon as the soup boils, you can turn off the heat.
12. Pour the aromatic soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped dill.

How to fry tofu

As noted earlier, tofu can be soft or firm. For frying, you need to use just the hard one and add it to different dishes. The crispy fried crust will add piquancy to all kinds of fish, meat dishes, as well as vegetarian ones.

Before frying, tofu should be cut into 5x5 cm squares, 1 cm thick. It is advisable to roll the cheese in egg or flour and marinate in sauce/marinade.

You need to fry soy cheese in sunflower oil until a crust appears. To do this, you can use a regular frying pan, wok, grill or oven. Although tofu does not have a distinct taste, when fried it becomes tasty and aromatic due to spices, marinade or sauce.

Fried cheese can be served as an independent snack, for example, with soy or teriyaki sauce, garlic, or honey.

Method No. 1

To prepare fried tofu, you need to prepare the ingredients:

• tofu – half a kilo;
• soy sauce – 50 ml;
• honey – 1 tsp;
• garlic – 3 cloves;
• sunflower oil – 2 tbsp. l.;
• salt - a pinch;
• ground pepper - a pinch;
• breadcrumbs - 5 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to cut the cheese into triangles or squares. Excess moisture should be squeezed out with a paper towel.
2. Pieces of cheese should be rolled in breadcrumbs (you can use flour or starch).
3. In a frying pan heated with oil, fry the tofu until golden on each side. By the way, you can fry without breading.
4. Then you need to do the refueling. To do this, you need to peel the garlic and chop it finely. Mix soy sauce with garlic, spices and honey. The latter can be replaced with brown sugar.
5. All that remains is to pour the sauce over the tofu and it is ready to eat. Leeks in soy marinade, rice and any greens are suitable as a side dish.

Method 2

You need to prepare:

• tofu – 250 g;
• onion – 0.5 pcs.;
• soy sauce – 2 tbsp. l.;
• lemon juice – 1 tbsp. l.;
• sesame oil – 0.5 tsp;
• garlic – 1 clove;
• sugar – 1 tsp;
• flour – 2 tbsp. l.;
• cherry – 3 pcs.;
• cilantro – 3-4 sprigs.

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to cut the tofu into 2 pieces, identical in size, and roll each of them in flour.
2. In a frying pan heated with oil, fry the cheese until golden on both sides. Then place it on paper napkins to remove excess oil.
3. Peel the onion and chop.
4. Next you need to prepare the sauce. To do this, mix soy sauce with lemon juice and sesame oil. Add sugar, chopped herbs, garlic, onion to the mixture and beat with a mixer.
5. Wash, dry and cut the cherry tomatoes into 4 parts, and then add them to the sauce.
6. Pour the resulting sauce over the tofu.

What do you eat tofu with?

You can eat soy cheese marinated, smoked, or fried. Due to the neutral taste, cooks can experiment by adding various spices and sauces to the product.

What is this amazing cheese most often eaten with:

• omelette;
• soup;
• spread on bread, pita bread, garlic and unleavened buns;
• fried with sesame seeds;
• pies filled with soy cheese;
• pizza (mozzarella is replaced with tofu);
• rice porridge;
• baked vegetables (potatoes, eggplants, etc.);
• vegetable salads (feta can be replaced with soy cheese).

Can you eat tofu raw?

Undoubtedly, tofu can be eaten raw. Since soy cheese seems specific to many, it is best to eat it in combination with other foods. Tofu will not give the same pleasure as a person experiences when eating the usual hard and soft cheeses. However, as mentioned above, there are many dishes that you can add soy cheese to. The latter acquires a unique shade and favorably emphasizes the taste of the remaining ingredients.

It’s a good idea to have tofu in the refrigerator for those who prefer Asian cuisine, because soy cheese is one of the ingredients.

How much tofu can you eat per day?

Soy contains phytohormones, so their excess can lead to disruption of the endocrine system. Pregnant women should also be careful with tofu. Overeating soy cheese can cause diarrhea.

The norm of tofu per day for adults is a maximum of 150 g.

To obtain the necessary vitamins and microelements, it is enough to eat 60-80 g per day.

Children from 3 years of age can be given 10-15 grams in their diet, or 1 piece per day.

It is enough for teenagers to eat 30-40 g.

The benefits and harms of Tofu

Since the Tofu variety is not in mass demand in Russia, few people in our country know its properties. Meanwhile, there are a lot of benefits from Tofu cheese, but there is practically no harm. The fact that this product is soy suggests that it is a natural source of protein. It contains all the existing 9 amino acids necessary for human health. Eating Tofu cheese provides the body with more protein than foods such as fish or beef. If we talk about healthy eating, it is a shining example of absolutely natural and harmless food.

The beneficial properties of Tofu cheese, when consumed frequently, contribute to a significant reduction in cholesterol. It is an excellent preventative against cardiovascular diseases. The dairy product is quickly absorbed in the body. The benefits of Tofu cheese are also evidenced by the fact that it does not cause allergic reactions. In particular, for people with lactose intolerance, because it is prepared without the use of animal milk. It is suitable even for those who suffer from chronic disorders of the digestive system.

Advertising - Continued below

For people leading a sports lifestyle, a dairy product is a real godsend for building muscle mass as quickly as possible.

The vitamin and mineral composition of this cheese contributes to:

• splitting of gallstones;
• improving kidney function;
• saturating the body with iron, fiber and calcium;
• removing the toxic substance dioxin from the body;
• improving the condition of women during menopause;
• normalization of female hormonal balance;
• breast cancer prevention;
• slowing down the formation of wrinkles.

Tofu contains a lot of phytoestrogen, which is beneficial for women's health. However, oversaturation of the body with this substance can harm the reproductive system. Also, consuming Tofu in large quantities has a negative effect on the functioning of the endocrine system.

Advertising - Continued below

Is it possible to eat during Lent?

There are different types of fasts in terms of severity, but their prohibition is identical: exclusion of animal products from the diet, including milk. For those who are accustomed to consuming cheese, cottage cheese, and milk every day, it is necessary to find an alternative replacement. In this case, tofu is an ideal option, as it is a low-calorie, high-protein product made from soybeans.

Even during a long fast, there will be no shortage of nutrients if you eat soy cheese. Tofu, among other things, has a number of valuable properties. For example, it removes dioxins (substances that influence the development of cancer) from the body, has a positive effect on kidney function, and dissolves gallstones.

How to replace tofu cheese

Soy cheese can be replaced with chicken, lean pork, but the food will no longer be dietary. An alternative to tofu are cheeses like feta cheese, mozzarella, feta or Adyghe.

1. Pickled homemade cheese. This fermented milk product can be used, but not in every dish. It is prepared with milk, so it is not suitable for those who do not eat animal products. For other gourmets, pickled cheese is a suitable option.
2. Fetaxa. Relatively recently, this Greek cheese has become widespread in most countries, finding fans all over the world.
3. Lean pork. When there is no other option, lean pork with minimal fat content can be used. Tenderloin is best suited as it does not weigh down the dish so much. You can pay attention to the loin or carbonate, but then you should bake it.
4. Chicken meat. Of course, dietary meat tastes far from soy cheese. The advantage of the product is its lightness and pleasant taste; Suitable for those who watch their figure and nutrition. Chicken meat is the basis of a balanced diet thanks to the necessary protein and vitamins.

Note. Soy cheese gourmets are against replacing this delicate dish. Not many products are as healthy and versatile as dietary tofu.

What is tofu and the history of its origin

Tofu is soy cheese (or bean curd) made by curdling the protein of soy milk. According to legend, tofu cheese was invented due to chance. One day, sea water got into the ground beans, which caused the soybean mass to curdle. This is how a soft, elastic and tasty cheese appeared. This recipe is still used today to make Korean tofu or soft tofu.

Soy tofu originated in China more than four thousand years ago. The history of its popularity is connected with Buddhist monks. The monks were forbidden to eat meat, so they replaced it with tofu, which gave them strength due to its rich protein content. Later, Japanese monks traveling around East Asia and highly appreciating the beneficial properties of this amazing product brought it to Japan. Nowadays, tofu cheese is a traditional and integral dish in any cuisine of Southeast Asia and the Far East.

In European countries, soy cheese gained popularity much later, namely in the last century. It was known to Europeans before, but was not in demand. Interest in him arose against the backdrop of Europeans' fascination with Asian culture. Today, tofu is a popular and highly sought after product among vegetarians and vegans around the world. Like the Buddhist monks, they found in it a worthy replacement for animal meat.

How to store tofu cheese

Storing soy cheese is possible in 2 ways:

• fridge;
• freezer.

If the first method makes it possible to keep the product fresh for a couple of days, then the second - for several months. These methods are suitable for both dense and silky soy cheese.

If tofu is eaten within 5-7 days, it can be placed on a shelf in the refrigerator. Place the cheese in an airtight container and fill it with cold water. The latter should be changed every day so that the product remains moist, fresh and does not dry out. Tofu should be stored away from foods that have a strong odor.

Tofu will stay fresh in the freezer for about 3 months. It is necessary to cut the cheese into cubes and place in an airtight wide container or bag. It is preferable to use a frozen product, since its texture after defrosting will become denser and more porous.

Having bought tofu in a sealed plastic or cardboard bag, you should store it in the same form at home until you open the container. After opening the package, the tofu should be placed in the refrigerator, where the product can be stored for 3-5 days.

For cheese bought in a store and lying on an open shelf, it’s time to create identical conditions at home. In cool seasons, you can put the cheese on the balcony, in the pantry, or in a container with cold water. However, under such conditions, storage of tofu is short-lived.

After opening the package, soy cheese should be stored exclusively in a cool place.

Due to the high content of protein, fatty acids and vitamins, this product is in great demand among different groups of the population. If you organize the right conditions for storing tofu, it will retain its unique qualities and nutrients.

How to select and store tofu?

Tofu is not sold in every store. As a rule, these are health food stores and hypermarkets. There are soft, hard and extra-firm varieties of tofu on sale, both in “pure” form and with additives. Choose cheese according to the following criteria:

• soybean quality. We recommend that you avoid transgenic (GMO) soybeans. Soy obtained through genetic engineering cannot be compared in quality to the natural product. Perhaps it will not cause harm to the body, but there will be no particular benefit from it;
• manufacturer country. Eastern countries - China, Japan, Korea - are considered trusted producers of tofu. Chinese tofu is mainly represented on the Russian market;
• tofu color. It is not always possible to review the product. But if the packaging is transparent, then take a closer look at the color of the cheese. Properly cooked tofu has a white hue. A yellowish tint indicates that the cheese has been frozen. And temperature fluctuations negatively affect the quality of soybeans;
• integrity of the packaging. To ensure that the cheese retains its properties and does not deteriorate during transportation, it is vacuum-sealed. If the vacuum is broken, refuse to purchase.
• best before date. The shelf life of tofu depends on its variety. Extra-hard varieties last longer than hard and soft varieties.

Classic tofu consists of soybeans and water. The following additives are used: rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic, chili pepper and other seasonings.

Reference.

Unscrupulous companies often use seasonings to mask the staleness of cheese. Carefully study the expiration date of the product or choose tofu without adding spices.

Open the package immediately before use. Store unused cheese in a tightly closed container. To preserve tofu for as long as possible, completely cover it with water. The water will prevent the cheese from drying out. Once opened, tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days. Cheese can be frozen. If frozen, it can be stored for up to three months.

What does tofu go with?

Soft soy cheese is used for sauces, soups, vegetable stews, steamed dishes and desserts.

Tofu is combined with ingredients such as:

• eggs;
• pasta;
• rice;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• greenery;
• fish and red caviar;
• sesame;
• seafood;
• mushrooms;
• less often - meat dishes.