What can I use instead of tofu?

[Incitatus]

I can’t eat tofu as it makes me feel very sick and have abdominal pains. Can anybody recommend an alternative?

I’m not sure if tofu and soya are the same stuff, as I can’t eat soya either and can only have small amounts as a yoghurt or something.

[TeddyIsaHe]

Yes tofu is soya. Try seitan which can be fried and used in the same way as tofu but doesn’t contain any soy.

[Incitatus]

Will seitan be sold in the supermarket or do I go to the vegan outlet store?

[TeddyIsaHe]

Some bigger supermarkets will sell it, but best bets for different types is definitely outlet. I prefer it to tofu, much more flavour!

[Incitatus]

Thanks for that Teddy. I’ll head off to the outlet.

[SerendipityFelix]

Seitan is made from wheat gluten though, are you ok with that?

There are lots of non-soy dairy alternatives though, coconut yoghurts, nut milks etc.

Where is this vegan outlet store?

[scurryfunge]

There are lots of recipes for chickpea tofu on Pinterest if you fancy making your own. Soya and gluten free.

[Incitatus]

Yeah, I’m okay with gluten.

The vegan outlet store is in Newcastle. I haven’t been for a long time though. Hopefully it’ll still be there.

[KingIrving]

I sometimes use celeriac in recipes instead of tofu. Clean and peel (not easy) then I cut 1 cm slices, boil them and then cut squares for stews or leave a slice for a vegan schnitzel.
OF course, you then need something else for your protein.

[SerendipityFelix]

This place? Looks like a nice store, I’d expect them to have some kind of seitan, I’d call ahead though.

Interesting idea with celeriac King, I’ll try that, have a nice crop of celeriac maturing on the allotment at the moment! Was wondering what to do with it apart from mash.

I haven’t done it yet (mainly because when I have tried commercial seitan, it’s almost too meaty for me and freaks me out a little) but there are recipes to make your own which I plan to try at some point whilst I’m still eating gluten. Avant Garde Vegan has some good looking recipes, I subscribe to his YouTube videos, great for inspiration!

[millifiori]

Can you eat quorn chunks or are they soya based too? They make a good alternative to tofu.
Or, for texture, use cubes of sweet potato or butternut squash but you'll need a protein source from soemwhere else.

[SerendipityFelix]

Most quorn isn’t vegan, as it uses eggs. There are some frozen vegan items now though.

I really wouldn’t worry too much about ‘protein’ being a section of every meal by the way - as an adult eating a varied vegan diet it’s actually pretty difficult to be protein deficient. If you want to keep an eye on your macro intake then the app Cronometer is free and easy to use, whenever I check I am always over on my protein even if I’m not consistently including traditional ‘protein’ items like mock meats, tofu etc.

[KingIrving]

SerendipityFelix in France, we do raw celeriac in salads. Mixed grated carrots and celeriac is a classic there. Look for recipes saying celeri-rave. Usually with mayo, but a nice vinaigrette is what I prefer (and i don't eat mayo) .

[Incitatus]

I’ve had quorn before, but it makes me itchy ? allergic reaction.

I did some yellow lentils yesterday, but I think I over cooked them and they went into nothingness 😂

[millifiori]

In stir fries, whole cashew nuts are a lovely alternative to chunks of tofu.
You could use chick peas in casseroles or black beans in wraps.

[holdthewine]

KingIrvine and celiac remoulade is one of the yummiest things ever IMO but not a substitute for Tofu. Must stop digressing.

PP with the allotment, roast celeriac is a great substitute for roast potatoes with fewer carbs and celeriac dauphinois is as good as the potato version.

[KingIrving]

I make celeriac French fries! Fist boiled then dried and under grill oven with rosemary and crystal salt.
Completely high jacking the discussion!!

[SerendipityFelix]

Really looking forward to my celeriac harvest now

Back to the topic, I often use mushrooms when I’m looking for that umami flavour and meaty texture. Works in stir fries, stews etc. Also chopped fine and mixed with lentils makes an excellent mince substitute in my opinion.

[notacooldad]

For curries and wraps what about paneer?

[notacooldad]

Sorry, I withdraw my comment.
I just noticed it was vegan and not vegetarian.

[Incitatus]

That’s okay, dh did a saag paneer last night and halved the mixture into a different pan so I had the veg without the paneer cheese.

Good idea about mushrooms 👍🏼

I’ve never had celeriac, so will get some from the supermarket.

[millifiori]

Yes celeriac is gorgeous. And kohl rabi is great in curries as it absorbs the flavours of spices really easily.

[VeganCow]

you want green or brown lentils which dont go mushy. Tinned ones if no time to boil the dry ones. Red lentils go mushy so I use for stews to add protein, flavour and texture. Jamie Oliver has a fab recipe for Vegan Shephards pie, it is so tasty and uses tinned lentils and chickpeas.here

Chickpeas make a good side straight from the can, sprinkled on salads, and make a lovely sandwich filler -
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Author: It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken
Prep time: 10 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients

2 Cups Cooked Chickpeas (1 19oz Can)
2 Stalks of Celery
¼ of a Medium Red Onion
3 Tablespoons Vegan Mayonaise (Such as Vegenaise)
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons Capers (optional)
¼ teaspoon Salt
Several Grinds of Pepper
Lettuce or other toppings
Slices of Bread or a Tortilla

Instructions

Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly. The more you rinse, the less, er… musical, these beans will be!
Toss them into a food processor and pulse several times. Or could also do this with a fork or potato masher if you don’t have a food processor.
Chop up celery and the red onion and add to the food processor.
Add the rest of the ingredients into the food processor and pulse several times to combine.
Spread on bread or in a wrap and top with your favourite veggies.

[Incitatus]

Thanks for that recipe. I’ve got some green lentils in the cupboard so I’ll try them.

[QueSera]

I've never tried this, but ive seen recipes online for a tofu replacement made from chickpea flour here's one :
www.veganricha.com/2016/04/chickpea-flour-tofu.html

[SerendipityFelix]

I like making chickpea salad like that, I tend to save the drained chickpea water (aquafaba) to make the mayo with quickly in the food processor. Mash in some kelp powder for a kinda fishy flavour and pretend it’s tuna if you like they call it ‘chickpea of the sea’. I do mash rather than use the food processor though, because processing chickpeas very quickly turns into hummus!