I have always liked tempeh, but never really loved it. It tastes great in a strong sauce or in a sandwich mixed with other bold flavors. Typically I steam it for about 10 minutes to remove that hint of bitterness that can beĀ off-putting.
Last week I posted a Tempeh Stroganoff that was superĀ simpleĀ to make and tasty. It was even tastier because it was made with Tempeh GirlāsĀ artisanalĀ tempeh. Hers is ready to go right out of the package and no steaming is needed!
At my talk yesterday at Quail Ridge Books I also worked in a few words about my new-found love of this fermented soy food.
Tempeh Girl, aka Beth May, makes her tempeh in small batches using a traditional fermentation process and her special touch involves a different culture than many of the larger tempeh producers. This all works to create the prettier and more palatable tempeh that comes out of her business.
Most of the time I explain tempeh as being a grown-up version of soy because the tempeh you usually get in the store tends to have dark veins similar to blue cheese intertwined with the white.
As you can see above Bethās tempeh is free of those. While the color change doesnāt indicate a change the taste, it is easier to introduce people to it theĀ firstĀ time without having to explain that too.
Tempeh has a great texture that works great in chicken salad since it has a āmeatierā bite than most versions of tofu. It also crumbles well and can be used in any recipe.
If you arenāt keen to use Gardein or other commercially produced meat subs, try substituting tempeh instead.
Try substituting tempeh in these recipes and see what you think:
- Pineapple Chickān, cut into strips
- Vegan āMeatyā Chili, crumbled
- CincinnatiĀ Chili, crumbled
- Pumpkin Chickān Chowder, diced
Tempeh Girl tempeh in made inĀ HillsboroughĀ and can be delivered to you ifĀ youĀ live in theĀ triangleĀ area. She has tempeh bacon and smoked tempeh,Ā as well as, the traditional kind.
You have to order aĀ minimumĀ of 5 pounds and itās $40 including delivery. Just email her atĀ beth@tempehgirl.comĀ or call 919-265-8497. Remember it freezes great, so donāt worry about using it all up in a week or two.
Not ready to commit to 5 pounds before you get to sample it? Try Tempeh girl Tempeh at Vimalaās Curry Blossom Cafe, The Pig, Ninth Street Bakery, The Spotted Dog, or at Spize Cafe.Ā Read the rest of this post at Healthy Slow Cooking
About Kathy
healthyslowcooking.com
@geekypoet
Iām Kathy Hester and in addition to runningĀ Healthy Slow Cooking, I have published 4 vegan cookbooks with another one on its way next year! Iām most known for my vegan slow cooker books, though I have some mad skills with beans and oatmeal too.
IāveĀ been meatlessĀ since 1983 when requests for tofu or tempeh were met with blank stares at grocery stores.Ā IĀ have been eating vegan for a few years now and itās so much easier to find foods for a special diet.
Kathy Hester says
Thank you so much for sharing my post about my very favorite tempeh!