Soy Free Tofu!?

Vegans are all very familiar with Tofu. A great meat replacement and traditional Asian food. Unfortunately there has been some negative press surrounding soya, the primary substance of tofu. and this new bad reputation has dissuaded consumption of the old wholesome bean. Moreover soya may trigger allergic reactions and digestive problems in some. So what should someone do when in search of a healthy alternative to meat? Consider the Chickpea, also known as the Garbanzo bean.

Another healthy bean and a great source of meat free protein. Remember chickpeas are the main ingredient in Hummus after all. Some of the health benefits of Chickpeas are high protein, in amounts comparable to meat and dairy but lacking saturated fats. Also there is both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. They are especially good for heart health, regular intake of Chickpeas can lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol.

The process of making Tofu from chickpeas is nearly identical to making it from soya beans. The only main difference is there is no coagulant involved as the chickpea solution coagulates itself.

Have a look at this step by step demonstration video from Peaceful Cuisine on how to make chickpea tofu from scratch.

Instructions

1. Soak 1 cup of chickpeas in clean water for 5 hours of overnight.
2. Once fully soaked, discard soak water and add plump chickpeas to blender with enough clean water to fully cover.
3. Blend chickpeas and water until smooth.
4. Pour chickpea mixture through clean mesh cloth and squeeze over a bowl to separate liquid from pulp.
5. Pour chickpea liquid into saucepan and cook at low heat.
6. Stir chickpea liquid consistently as it thickens
7. Once liquid is at a thick pudding consistency pour into pastry dishes or bowl 
8. Allow to cool and harden
9. Once solid feel free to serve and enjoy or store in refrigerator 

Add your favorite herbs and spices to create a custom flavored version of this tofu. Try making this process a little faster by investing in an automated soymilk maker like the soybella.