Vegetarianism, veganism and vegetable preparations are more and more popular and its demand has increased considerably since the beginning of the century.
Although the section of vegetables, fruits either legumes They have always been the aisles suitable for walking, the current offer invites all gondolas to walk. Just by going around the different supermarkets, it is enough to see the wide range of food with the label V (vegetarian/vegan) in the bakery, fresh, cold and frozen sections.
the valencian chain Mercadona stands with its own line Farmer and its good number of alternatives without meat. In this article we will focus on the most popular meat alternatives: tofu, seitan and tempeh and we will see the latest news which was added this week.
Seitan: the “wheat meat”
The seitan It is one of the alternatives that triumphs when it comes to replacing meat in the diet. A food that attracts attention not only because of its flavor, which is somewhat similar to that of meat, but also because of its properties: it has a huge nutritional contribution and is low in fat.
In the same area where we find the vegetable burgers and hummus, there is the seitan from Hacendado. Of Smooth flavor Y slightly salty because of the soy sauce, it is ideal for stew, stew, braise or directly roast on the grill round and round for a few minutes accompanied by vegetables or white rice.
Among its ingredients, you can see the wheat flourthe Waterthe soy saucethe sunflower oil and the gingerso we are faced with a food without preservatives or additives.
IMPORTANT. Seitan, being made from wheat flour, is not suitable for people with celiac disease.
Tofu: the “tofu”
The tofu is a food that is made from soybean drink, which is pressed into solid white blocks, through a manufacturing process quite similar to that of cheese making. One option nourishingsource of calcium, iron Y proteins of plant origin.
In the same refrigerator as the seitan, is the tofu from Hacendado. Their neutral taste, makes it special to add to sweet and savory preparations since it absorbs well the flavor of the condiment or the sauce to be used.
Being from consistency signnot easy to break cut, but keeps its shape and texture. For this, make a salad with golden tofu is a good option as well as taking slices for a sandwich
Among its ingredients, the Waterthe soy beans and the nigari (coagulating agent). We value that it has no added sugars and no gluten, also being ideal for people with gluten intolerance or allergy.
Tempeh: the “fake soy meat”
The tempeh is made from soy beans. It tends to be confused with tofu but both have completely different nutritional properties as well as flavor and texture. For example, tempeh is characterized by a texture plus consistent, grainy and a taste even more intense. To be fermented vitamins such as B12 are present.
The good thing about this product is that when it comes completely prepared through the marinade that gives it a smoky flavorcan be cooked as fast and very comfortable. Enough with brown it in the pan round and round along with some delicious baked carrots and spiced basmati rice as a side dish for a special lunch or dinner. You can also prepare fried either roast.
Among its ingredients, predominate the soy beansthe soy saucethe ferment mikawa mirinferment Rhizopus Oryzaesunflower oil, ginger Y Garlic in powder, so we are faced with a food rich in ferments, without preservatives or additives.
BRA PRIOR – Frying pan, 20 cm, cast aluminum with Teflon Innovations non-stick, suitable for all types of cookers including induction
New: marinated bites
In the same fridge, along with seitan, tofu and tempeh, the last incorporation of Mercadona are the marinated bites that simulate chicken meat. Among its ingredients there are only six: Water, soy protein, oil made of olives, spices, natural aroma Y Salt. It is not specified if it contains gluten or not.
In just two to three minutes they are ready to eat. alone either accompanied with rice and vegetables or in fajitas with vegetables and guacamole. Their taste it is salt concentrate and its texture little juicy It is better to spread in a sauce or together with a lactonesa. Because of this, the meat appearance of “shredded chicken” is not achieved. It is worth mentioning that they are cheaper than the competition with 20 g more than Heura for example.
Without a doubt, the alternatives to the meat are more and more wanted. A revolution plant-based which means that all supermarkets now offer a greater number of vegetable burgers, sausages and products based on legumes, vegetables, cereals and other ingredients, although they are not always entirely healthy.
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