Burmese Chickpea Tofu recipe {vegan + dairy free + gluten free} (2024)

FAQs

Is chickpea tofu better than soy tofu? ›

Given that soy-free tofu is primarily made with chickpea flour and water, you can expect the nutrition to be fairly advantageous. Like soy-based tofu, this varietal is naturally gluten-free. It's also very low in total fat and contains no saturated or trans fats.

Unlike regular tofu, which is made from soybean curd, Burmese tofu (or shan tofu) is a staple of the Shan people in eastern Myanmar. It combines water, chickpea flour, and salt (often also with turmeric). However, there are also versions using whole chickpeas (both methods included below!) too.

Shan tofu (also known as chickpea tofu) is a Burmese dish that comes from the Shan State in Myanmar. Yellow in color, this “tofu” is very easy to make and can be served in many ways. Many recipes for this chickpea tofu use only chickpea flour, water, salt, and occasionally turmeric for color.

Due to their high-fiber and protein content, chickpeas are excellent for weight loss diets because they keep you fuller longer and control appetite.

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

Beans and their near relatives, the family of legumes, are one vegan/vegetarian options that are high in protein. This is especially important if your diet doesn't allow animal products like meat, eggs, or dairy products.

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent food for people who don't eat meat or animal products. A 1-cup (164-gram) serving provides about 14.5 grams of protein, which is comparable to the protein content of similar foods like black beans and lentils ( 1 ).

Like most other plant protein sources, chickpeas are not a complete protein and do not contain all nine essential amino acids. Chickpeas are rich in some essential amino acids, including lysine and arginine, but lack the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cystine.

The dish has been a staple in Burmese culture for years, originating in the Shan State of Myanmar (it's also known as Shan tofu). Unlike panelle, a Sicilian crispy, fried fritter created using a similar technique, Burmese tofu is silky, creamy, and smooth.

What is the name of the moldy tofu? ›

Furu is fermented tofu.” The process starts by inoculating small bite-sized cubes of tofu with mold, which triggers an enzymatic process that breaks down the tofu until it is soft, seasoned, and creamy. “The enzymes in the mold help break down the tofu into all these different flavors and change the texture a lot.

You can, of course, replace dairy milk with soy milk by picking up a bottle of Silk at the grocery store. But you can also puree a package of tofu in the blender with a cup and a half of water the create a high-protein, low-fat milk substitute for use in recipes. (Think alfredo sauce!)

In a process similar to that of making cheese, tofu is made by curdling soy milk, which comes from soybeans. The milk is coagulated with the use of taric acid or other food acids, and then pressed into bricks. As this process contains no animal byproducts, neither does tofu, meaning tofu itself completely vegan.

People with a soy allergy should not consume soy milk, soy yogurt or ice cream, edamame, miso, tempeh and tofu. Most individuals allergic to soy can safely consume highly refined soybean oil. Ask your allergist about avoiding this ingredient.

Overall thoughts. We think that if you can't have soy, chickpea tofu makes an awesome alternative. The taste is very neutral and takes on flavor well. It is a very soft texture inside when being cooked that may deter some people.

In this sense, due to its lower lipid content (up to twenty-one-fold less) compared to that of soybean, chickpea stands out as a good option in weight management. Furthermore, the content of insoluble fiber in chickpea is comparable or even higher than that of soybean.

In general, I find that firm and extra-firm tofu are the most useful because they're versatile. They hit the tofu texture sweet spot—soft enough to absorb flavor but hardy enough to be cooked without risk of falling apart. Do note that some firm tofu, like House Foods', skews soft, more like medium-firm.

This plant-based, 3-ingredient chickpea tofu is packed with protein but low in fat. It's also soy-free. Make it in minutes! If you are vegan (and even if you aren't!), you've heard of tofu.