Home Soy foods Soy and your health Recipes with soy Make natto Make tempeh Soy news

What is tempeh?

Tempeh has become so popular that you can find it in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets. Of course, you can also find it in health food stores and oriental shops. Tempeh originated in Indonesia, where it is still an important food. Tempeh is a cake of soybeans that have been hulled, cooked, mixed with a tempeh starter (culture of Rhizopus oligosporus or Rhizopus oryzae), and incubated for a day or two. The white mycelium of the Rhizopus fungus holds the soybeans together to form a solid cake that can be easily sliced. In Indonesia, tempeh is traditionally made only from soybeans, but in Western countries you can find tempeh made from other ingredients such as vegetables, grains, or other beans. Because tempeh is made from whole soybeans, it is a high-fiber food. Tempeh is a rich source of protein, minerals, soy isoflavones (53 mg isoflavones per 100 g) and saponins. It is also a generous source of nutrients such as calcium, B vitamins, and iron. In addition, tempeh is a good source of monounsaturated fat and contains no cholesterol. The natural fermentation process of tempeh also makes the soy more digestible. Good website with more information about tempeh.

Easy to make at home

It is very easy to make tempeh at home. If you enjoy gardening (planting seeds, watching them grow, and harvesting), you can accomplish this process in just a few days! You will notice a big difference between homemade tempeh and store-bought tempeh: it tastes and smells much better. Fresh homemade tempeh smells like mushrooms, but after a few days in the refrigerator, the smell becomes a bit chemical. Tempeh is made by adding an acid, such as acetic acid, to the soybeans to prevent the growth of spoilage bacteria. In Indonesia, tempeh makers do not add this acid, but allow the soybeans to acidify naturally in the soaking water.

Versatile Ingredient

Tempeh has a soft, chewy consistency that makes it an excellent addition to a variety of foods. The easiest way to prepare tempeh is to bake marinated slices of tempeh in a pan with oil until crisp and golden brown. Tempeh is also delicious on the grill: steam and marinate cubes of tempeh in a barbecue sauce, then grill until browned. You can add tempeh cubes to spaghetti sauce, chili mix, or your favorite soups and casseroles.