TESTIMONIALS AND RECEIPES
How to Make Tempeh Using a Tempeh Starter:
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian soy product that's not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It's a fantastic meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans, and making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. The key to making tempeh is using a tempeh starter, which is a mixture of live mold cultures that ferment the soybeans. Here's a simple guide to help you make your tempeh. In this article, we will discuss the complete recipe for making tempeh.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dry soybeans
- 1 teaspoon of tempeh starter
- Vinegar (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Clean towel or cloth
- Perforated plastic bags or containers
Step 1: Soak the Soybeans
Start by soaking the soybeans in plenty of water for about 8-12 hours or overnight. This process softens the beans and makes them easier to cook and hull.
Step 2: Cook the Soybeans
Drain the soaked soybeans and transfer them to a large pot. Fill the pot with fresh water, ensuring the beans are well covered. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. The beans should be cooked but still firm.
Step 3: Dehull the Soybeans
Once the soybeans are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water. Rub the beans between your hands or use a kitchen towel to remove the hulls. This step is crucial as the hulls can prevent proper fermentation. Rinse the beans again to remove any loose hulls.
Step 4: Dry the Soybeans
Spread the beans out on a clean towel or cloth and pat them dry. It's important to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent unwanted bacteria from growing during fermentation.
Step 5: Add the Tempeh Starter
Once the beans are dry, transfer them to a mixing bowl. If you're using vinegar, add a splash (about 1 tablespoon) to the beans and mix well. This helps to lower the pH and create a more favorable environment for the tempeh starter. Sprinkle the tempeh starter over the beans and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Step 6: Pack the Beans
Take your perforated plastic bags or containers and fill them with the inoculated soybeans. Pack the beans tightly to eliminate air pockets, which can lead to uneven fermentation. If using bags, roll them up and secure them with a rubber band or tie.
Step 7: Ferment the Tempeh
Place the packed beans in a warm, dark place to ferment. The ideal temperature for tempeh fermentation is around 85-90°F (29-32°C). You can use a yogurt maker, an oven with a pilot light, or a warm spot in your kitchen. The fermentation process typically takes 24-48 hours. You'll know the tempeh is ready when it's covered in a white, firm mycelium, and the beans have formed a solid cake.
Step 8: Store or Cook the Tempeh
Once the tempeh is fully fermented, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. When you're ready to eat, slice the tempeh and cook it according to your favorite recipe. It's delicious fried, baked, or added to soups and salads.
Recipe Tips -
- Make sure all equipment is clean to avoid contamination.
- If the tempeh smells bad or has black or colorful spots, it may be contaminated and should be discarded.
- Experiment with different beans or grains for a variety of flavors and textures.
Making tempeh at home using a tempeh starter is a straightforward process that yields a nutritious and versatile ingredient. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy homemade tempeh in your meals and reap its many health benefits. Visit TempehChennai today for more such receipes and products.
SOME PICTURES SENT TO US BY OUR CUSTOMERS -
Tempeh Sandwich Recipe -
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Fresh tempeh | 200 grams |
Whole grain bread | 4 slices |
Ripe avocado | 1 |
Medium tomato | 1, sliced |
Spinach leaves | 1/4 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
Maple syrup/honey | 1 tbsp |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Preparation of Tempeh:
- Slice the tempeh thinly.
- In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup/honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Marinate the tempeh slices in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
-
Cooking Tempeh:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated tempeh slices until they are golden brown on both sides.
-
Preparing the Sandwich:
- Mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown.
- Spread the mashed avocado on two of the toasted bread slices.
- Layer the cooked tempeh, tomato slices, and spinach leaves on top of the avocado spread.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
-
Optional Grilling:
- If desired, grill the sandwiches in a sandwich press or on a grill pan for 2-3 minutes on each side.
-
Serving:
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Tempeh Sandwich!
Simple Tempeh Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Tempeh | 200 grams, cubed |
Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
Bell pepper | 1, sliced |
Carrot | 1, julienned |
Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
Snow peas | 1/2 cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Cooked rice/noodles | For serving |
Green onions | Optional, for garnish |
Sesame seeds | Optional, for garnish |
Instructions:
-
Marinate Tempeh:
- In a bowl, mix the cubed tempeh with soy sauce and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
-
Cook Tempeh:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated tempeh and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
-
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- Add sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, broccoli florets, and snow peas to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
-
Seasoning:
- Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serving:
- Serve the tempeh stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
- Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Simple Tempeh Stir-Fry!
Tempeh Masala Dosa and Idli
Ingredients:
- Tempeh: 200g, crumbled
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Tomatoes: 2, chopped
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Ginger: 1 inch, grated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
- Urad dal: 1 cup
- Idli rice: 2 cups
Instructions:
-
Tempeh Masala:
- Heat oil, add mustard and cumin seeds. Add onions, garlic, ginger, chilies. Sauté.
- Add tomatoes, spices, salt. Cook until soft.
- Add tempeh, cook 5-7 mins. Garnish with coriander.
-
Dosa & Idli Batter:
- Soak urad dal and idli rice separately for 4-6 hours.
- Grind each to a paste, mix, add salt, ferment overnight.
-
Cooking:
- For Dosa: Spread batter on hot skillet, add tempeh masala, fold.
- For Idli: Fill greased molds with batter, steam 10-12 mins.
Serve hot with chutney and sambar.