Tofu is also known as bean curd and made by coagulating soya
milk .This curd is then pressed into soft white blocks to form what we know as
tofu.Tofu can be made to be soft, firm and extra firm.
It has a subtle flavor and can be used to prepare both
sweet and savory dishes.
Tofu is a rich source of amino acids ,iron and calcium.
Incorporating tofu in our daily lives ensures a diet rich in nutrients. Tofu
being a rich source of proteins has found its place in the Buddhist form of
diets.
In terms of the nutritional
Since tofu is derived from Soymilk it is a rich source of
isoflavones. Isoflavones are known to have an impact on the low density lipids
proteins or the bad cholesterol present in our blood. A regular diet of tofu
decreases the risk of cardio vascular diseases. (source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tofu#Nutrition_and_health_information)
Over the years a number of researchers have been working on
the effects of tofu on our bodies. Here are some of the finds.
-Tofu is a good source of selenium it protects our system from colon cancer.
- Eating tofu reduces the risk of prostrate cancer amongst
men
- Eating good amounts of tofu makes women 60% less likely to
have ‘high risk’ breast tissues than women who eat less or do not eat tofu
- Tofu has a high dose of calcium content which is helpful
by women when they reach menopause.
- Eating Tofu is effective
in slowing down the aging process.
- Tofu consumption helps retain the elasticity of the skin
and tones the facial muscles which prevents aging.
- Eating Tofu is effective
during pre-menopausal stage when there is an imbalance in the oestrogen
levels.
- Tofu It helps reduce hot flashes. It prevent the high
bone-loss risk related to menopause
- Eating Tofu is effective in preventing rheumatoid
arthritis
- Making a paste of tofu and applying it on your face is a
good way to nourish the skin.
- Eating tofu helps prevent hair loss and enhances hair
growth as it is a rich source of proteins and helps hair make more keratin
So much for the nutritional benefits of tofu but how to
incorporate tofu in our daily diets?
I can think a number of exotic and mouth watering dishes
that I can make with tofu. However the fact that eating tofu can be used by
women to supplement their daily dosage of calcium, iron and amino acids.So in
this post I would I to make tofu a bit more acceptable in our households by
replacing cottage cheese or paneer by tofu to prepare shahi tofu just as we
make the dish of shahi paneer. There can be a number of variations in making
the dish .I am going to follow here a very simple method that will help me make
a dish of tofu with very little preparation or cooking time.
Ingredients for making Shahi Tofu
Tofu 200 g. :This servers 3 to 4 people
A big tomato, jeera or cumin seeds, 2 cloves of garlic
(optional), 1 teaspoon of grated Ginger, 1 Onion cut into small
pieces(optional) ,Salt to taste. 1 spoon of olive or any other cooking oil that
you use.
Dice the tofu into small cubes
Add all the ingredients except the tofu in a blender add
water and blend till a uniform puree is formed.
Pour the puree in a cooking pan and add a table spoon of
olive olive and let the gravy cook till it begins to simmer then add the diced
tofu cubes into the hot gravy.
Put gravy in cooking pan and some cooking/olive oil
Let the gravy simmer on low heat till it is well cooked
Add tofu cubes to the simmering gravy and let it cook for a few minutes
Let the tofu cook in the simmering gravy for a few minutes .
Serve hot and enjoy as such or with bread of your choice .
Watch the video that I have created to help you understand all the steps
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