What is tempeh?

SHA Wellness Clinic

October 24, 2013

Tempeh recipe

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a food typical of vegetarians or vegans to have a high protein content, meat-like despite being a plant food, made from fermented soybeans in a certain way, usually presented as a cake. It is an Asian product that specifically comes from Indonesia and is especially popular on the island of Java, where they prepare many recipes with tempeh. Tempeh can be considered one of the meat substitutes or “vegetarian meat” because of its high nutritional value.

The difference between tofu and tempeh is that while tofu is obtained from soy milk curd, tempeh is obtained from fermented soybeans using a natural fungus, so that it is softer tofu -is more like a soft cheese, and tempeh is more consistent.

Tempeh benefits

Tempeh makes the soy more easily digestible due to the fermentation process that happens.
Tempeh provides enzymes, high quality vegetable protein, iron and calcium, among other nutrients. Tempeh also contains the 8 essential amino acids to our health.
As with all products derived from soybeans, tempeh contains many isoflavones. Soy isoflavones are for strengthening bones, alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
In addition, tempeh fermentation produces a natural antibiotic that helps us increase our body resistance against infections and diseases.

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Tempeh recipe

Tempeh is usually obtained fresh in organic stores and natural food stores and one of the tastiest ways to make it is fried tempeh. Our recipe with tempeh to give it maximum flavor is:

Ingredients:

4 slices of tempeh
Organic olive oil to fry
1/2 cup of sesame seeds
1 cup of whole spelt flour
1and 1/2 cups of water
½ cup of apple juice
3 tablespoons of tamari sauce
2 tablespoons of umeboshi vinegar

Preparation:

Slice the tempeh and boil it in the water seasoned with tamari, apple juice and umeboshi vinegar for 5 minutes, drain and let cool.
With the spelt flour and some cold water make a thin batter, dip the tempeh slices in it and then coat them with sesame seeds.
Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the tempeh 2 minutes each side or until golden brown.

Tempeh is healthy, tasty and really nutritious!