Make your own Chickpea Tofu. Tofu is the go-to alternative for vegetarians to up their protein. This version made from chickpeas can now be added to the menu, offering another dense, plant-based option minus the soy.
A traditional Burmese recipe, chickpea tofu has a similar texture to the bean curd version and so can be used as a like-for-like replacement, although it does tend to fall apart if stir-fried or cooked too long in a sauce. Try using chickpea tofu tossed in a salad with a herb-laced dressing that will be absorbed by the tofu. Or add it to a curry in the last minutes of cooking to heat through and serve immediately.
Chickpea Tofu Recipe
Makes approximately 700g
Ingredients:
Coconut oil for greasing tray
1 cup chickpea flour
1 tsp unrefined salt
½ tsp tumeric powder
3 cups water
Method:
Grease a 20 x 20cm baking tray (or equivalent) with coconut oil. Or use a shallow dish that will hold 5 cups capacity ceramic dish or the equivalent with coconut oil so the tofu won’t stick when it has set.
In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour, salt and turmeric.
Slowly pour in 1 cup of water while whisking constantly, making sure the batter is a smooth consistency.
Bring the remaining 2 cups water to a boil and add slowly to the flour mixture, whisking to ensure the batter is smooth.
Put the mixture into a saucepan and cook over a medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until very thick and silky smooth, about 5-6 minutes.
Pour into the tray and cool to room temperature. Once set, invert tofu onto a chopping board and cut into 2cm cubes. Store tofu in a container in the fridge and use within 3 days.
Step by step:
When making your own chickpea flour in a Vitamix we recommend using the dry jug for the best quality blend. It’s designed especially to get the best grind. 1. Place 3 cups of dried chick peas into the dry jug. 2. Start machine on 1 and increase to variable speed 10. 3. Move the switch on the left from “Variable” to “High”. 4. Blend for one minute or until desired texture is reached.
TIP:
Chickpea flour (also called besan or gram flour) is a staple ingredient in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi food. It offers a gluten-free alternative for baking.