TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein, and is HIGHLY nutritious.  It is also referred to as "soy pieces", since it is derived from soy.

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TVP can be used in a wide variety of recipes, some of which are below!

Hydrating the soy pieces can be done with water, various broths, and if a darker color is desired without beef broth then "Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce" works great!

 

1)  SLOPPY JOES

To hydrate soy pieces for the equivalent of 1# of ground beef:

In a medium bowl use 1-3/4 cup of soy pieces and stir in 20oz of hot liquid (2-1/2 cups).

Liquid can be a combination of broth (beef, chicken, vegetable, mushroom) and water, and allow soy pieces to hydrate 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

 

Ingredients

• Hydrated soy pieces (see above)

• 1 TBSP olive oil

• 1/2 onion--chopped

• 3 cloves garlic—minced or 3 tsp minced garlic

• 1 15.5 oz can of Sloppy Joe mix

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onions until soft.  Add the garlic and cook another 30-60 seconds but do not burn.

Scoop in hydrated soy pieces and stir for 1 minute.  Add Sloppy Joe mix.  Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Serve on toasted buns with cheese optional.  Serves 4.  Enjoy!

 

 

2) CHILI

To hydrate soy pieces for the equivalent of 1# of ground beef:

In a medium bowl use 1-3/4 cup of soy pieces and stir in 20oz of hot liquid (2-1/2 cups).

Liquid can be a combination of broth (beef, chicken, vegetable, mushroom) and water, and allow soy pieces to hydrate 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

 

Ingredients

• Hydrated soy pieces (see above)

• 1 TBSP olive oil

• 1/2 onion--chopped

• 3 cloves garlic—minced (or 3 TSP minced garlic from jar)

• 1 15-ounce can of black beans or kidney beans--undrained

• 1 or 2- 15 oz cans diced tomatoes--undrained (optional—with Green chilies)

• 1 pack—Chili seasoning (or use your choice of chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, paprika, oregano)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onions until soft.  Add the garlic and cook another 30-60 seconds but do not burn.

Scoop in hydrated soy pieces and stir for 1 minute.  Add beans, tomatoes, and seasonings.  Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Serves 6.

 

 

3) MEATBALLS

To hydrate soy pieces for the equivalent of 1# of ground beef:

In a medium bowl use 1-3/4 cup of soy pieces and stir in 1-1/2 cup hot liquid.

Liquid can be a combination of broth (beef, chicken, vegetable, mushroom) and water, and allow soy pieces to hydrate 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

 

Ingredients

• Hydrated soy pieces (see above)

• 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

• 3 TBSP onion--chopped

• 1 glove garlic—minced or 1 tsp minced garlic

• 2/3 cup breadcrumbs or flour

• Add salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Italian Seasoning if desired

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients into a thick dough that holds together.  Add more breadcrumbs or flour if needed.

• Shape mixture into 1-2” balls.

• To bake, spray baking pan and cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

• Or to pan-fry, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet, fry meatballs for 5-8 minutes.

• Heat sauce and pour over meatballs: 2 TBSP grape jelly and 10 oz Ketchup.

• Can place on bed of pasta, if desired.

Serves 4.

 

4) TACOS

To hydrate soy pieces for the equivalent of 1# of ground beef:

In a medium bowl use 1 cup of soy pieces and stir in 1-1/2 cups hot liquid.

Liquid can be a combination of broth (beef, chicken, vegetable, mushroom) and water, and allow soy pieces to hydrate 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

 

Ingredients

• Hydrated soy pieces (see above)

• 1 TBSP olive oil

• 1/2 onion--chopped

• 2 cloves garlic—minced or 2 tsp minced garlic

• 1 packet of Taco Seasoning (or use cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, crushed red pepper, ancho chili powder, salt, pepper)

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large pot, saute onions until soft.  Add the garlic and cook another 30-60 seconds but do not burn.

• Scoop in hydrated soy pieces and stir for 1 minute.  Add Taco Seasoning.  Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Serve in taco shells or tortillas, with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, jalapenos, salsa as desired.

Makes 8 tacos.

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