Soy-Free Lentil Tofu ~ One Ingredient Recipe

 Even those who avoid soy can enjoy this tofu. This amazing tofu is made from one ingredient ~ red lentils. It looks just like traditional tofu made from soybeans and can be used in recipes that call for tofu.

 Tofu is one of those items that you either love or hate. For those who love tofu, it is an amazing high-protein plant-based ingredient that is so versatile and can be used in many delicious recipes. For those who avoid soy or have a soy allergy, tofu is not something we can enjoy.

 That is until now! I have discovered an amazing recipe for tofu that is soy-free. This delicious tofu is made from red lentils and it is a super easy recipe to make. This is a one-ingredient recipe that you are going to love.

 This lentil tofu slices up like traditional tofu and frys up perfectly to use in all your favorite plant-based recipes. The texture is the same as the tofu that you find in grocery stores and the taste is also amazing. In my opinion, I think that the taste of this lentil tofu is so much better than the bland tofu made from soybeans.

 Curious about the taste of red lentil tofu?

 This tofu made from red lentils is similar to the tofu that you find in most grocery stores. If you have never had tofu, you will like the taste and texture of soy-free tofu. Red lentil tofu is smooth, firm, and creamy. The flavor is very mild, so it can take on the flavor of the sauce and seasoning that you cook it in. I love cooking my tofu in olive oil and then tossing it with rice noodles and a spicy peanut sauce.

Red Lentil Tofu Is

+ Soy-free

+ Vegan (no eggs, no dairy)

+ Grain-free

+ Gluten-free

+ Oil-free

+ Nut-free

+ Seed-free

+ High in protein 

+ High in fiber 

+ Easy to make

+ Frugal

+ Made with 1 ingredient 

Red Lentils are an amazing ingredient

 Red lentils are a legume and they have a slightly sweet taste. Of all the different lentils that are available, red lentils cook faster and have a mushy texture. This makes them perfect for soups, stews, and as an ingredient in recipes like gluten-free rolls.

Red lentils are a plant-based nutritional all-star. They are rich in fiber and have the same amount of protein as steak, making a healthy meat substitute for vegans. Lentils are also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

Unlike other legumes, lentils don't require presoaking and they cook up in just 15 minutes. Red lentils are allergy-friendly and becoming popular in allergy-friendly recipes. For those who avoid soy and wheat, red lentils are perfect for making soy-free tofu and gluten-free breads.

Ingredients Needed For Soy-Free Tofu

~ Red Lentils

~ High-Speed Blender (preferably with a glass jar)

~ Saucepan

~ Baking Dish

~ Parchment Paper Sheets

~ Salt (optional, I like using Baja Gold Salt)

Step By Step Instructions

Making this soy-free tofu is super easy. This easy recipe has 8 simple steps and they are easy to understand.

Step 1: Measure and rinse the dried lentils - Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse until the water is clear.

Step 2: Soak the lentils - in boiling water in a saucepan for 20 minutes. Let the lentils cool down for 10 minutes and don't drain the water.

Step 3: Blend the lentils - in a blender. I prefer using a glass jar blender since the mixture may be warm. If you are using a blender with a plastic jar, make sure to cool the lentils and water to room temperature. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the lentils - add the lentil mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken.

Step 5: Pour into a pan - I prefer an 8-inch glass square pan but you can use other sizes, depending on how thick or thin you want your tofu to be. Since the tofu is sliceable, you can later slice it to your preferred shape. Cover it with a sheet of parchment paper and press to fit the pan.

Step 6: Place tofu in the fridge - Refrigerate the tofu for an hour or more. 

Step 7: Unmold the tofu and slice - into desired tofu pieces.

Step 8: Use in recipes - the tofu is ready to use in recipes that call for tofu. I like to fry my tofu slices in a frying pan with a couple tablespoons of oil. Cooking each side of the tofu for a couple of minutes or until lightly brown.

How to store the lentil tofu

The tofu can be stored in the fridge for a week in a container with a lid. I don't recommend freezing the tofu as it will become soggy and fall apart when defrosted. You can store the tofu as is before you slice it or slice it into pieces for recipes.

How to enjoy the red lentil tofu

 The red lentil tofu can be used just like traditional tofu in recipes like stir-fries, soups, or casseroles. The best way to use tofu is to cook it in your favorite sauce in a pan and then place it over rice or noodles. Red lentil tofu cooks up perfectly in a pan with a couple tablespoons of oil. Just slice the tofu into squares and cook each side for a few minutes or until crispy brown,

Can I use other types of lentils?

 I have not tried other types of lentils in this soy-free tofu recipe. Each type of dried lentil, like brown and green, has different tastes and they cook up to different textures. I recommend using dried red lentils for this recipe.

Check out some other recipes that use lentils

~ Gluten-free rolls made from lentils

~ Vegan Sloppy Joes 

~ Savory Cherry Lentil Loaf

~ Mushroom Vegetarian "Meat" Loaf

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