Try a Tofu Recipe (You Can Do It)

Bean Curd, Soy Protein — By Any Name, Tofu Is Full of Protein

See How to Press and Cook Tofu

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30 Days to Green Your Diet - Nutritious tofu is part of a healthy eating plan.

Photo: Istock

By Annie Bell Muzaurieta

30 Days to a Greener Diet - Day 26

Tofu was once considered a culinary oddity adored by tree huggers, but today it is consumed by many Americans — from 1992 to 2006, soy foods sales increased from $300 million to $3.9 billion — who have come to appreciate tofu’s health benefits and versatility. (You can’t find beef in firm and blended varieties, for use in both savory and sweet dishes, now can you?)

Tofu is made from soybeans, and soy foods have been proven to offer myriad health benefits. Tofu is packed with protein, but has fewer calories and fat than animal protein. It is full of B vitamins and is rich in iron and zinc. Soy protein has also been proven to help reduce bad cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

In addition, you omnivore, it takes less energy, water and land to process and produce soy protein, so by substituting with bean curd you’re benefiting the environment, too. You don’t have to quit cold turkey (or cow); Try reducing your red meat consumption by rotating in tofu.

These easy and delicious recipes will get you started:
Tofu Onion Dip Recipe
Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Ultimate Tofu Stirfry

Lo Mein with Tofu, Snow Peas and Carrots

Portobello Mushroom with Spring Onion Tofu Stuffing and Quinoa

Spicy Tofu and Asparagus Stirfry

p>Vegetable Stew Nicoise with Tofu