I was looking for a recipe to use this package of TVP (textured vegetable protein) I’ve had sitting in my cupboard.
What is TVP? Well, the ingredient list says “defatted soy flour”. It kinda looks like small cut up croutons though. The label also describes it as “a highly nutritious soy product” and says it is “incredibly wealthy in complete protein and contains no fat”. I’ve never cooked with it before, so I thought I’d give it a try.
I was hoping to create more of a vegan “meat” loaf, but I shouldn’t call this that. It’s not a recipe to make and try to trick your non-vegan friends. Let’s say it’s more of a vegan “grain” loaf.
That’s not to say that it’s not very tasty. It’s such a delicious recipe that Pops actually said he liked it much better than real meatloaf. (I would say that too, but that’s not a big stretch for me as I like almost anything more than traditional meatloaf.)
It’s also super easy to make – about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
(oh and it’s great as left-overs in “grain” loaf sandwiches)
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 ounces) TVP
- 2 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons steak sauce
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 3 tablespoons veggie soup base (powder)
- 1/2 cup finely minced onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup gluten flour (sorry, this isn’t a gluten free recipe)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix TVP, ketchup, quick oats, basil and broth powder with the boiling water and let stand 10 minutes. The mixture somewhat looks like meat at this point…don’t be afraid, it won’t taste like it.
3. While this is setting, heat the 1 tablepspoon of oil in a pan over medium-high. Add the onions and saute them until they are translucent.
3. Mix the onions into the soy protein mixture, then add the remaining ingredients (flour and spices).
4. Lightly oil a bread pan and pack the mixture in tightly.
5. Bake for 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before loosening all the edges and turning the loaf onto a plate.
I served the slices with some mushroom gravy.
Add some mashed potatoes and you’ve got yourself a real comfort-food recipe here.
Know of any other good recipes to make with TVP? If so, please share.
Happy Meatless Monday – Enjoy!
