TVP Ground 'Meat' Alternative Recipe

 Yes, I am vegan.  However, my husband is NOT and I would never expect him to eat the same way I have chosen to.  There are many times that I make two separate meals to accommodate us both (also, I'm a food blogger and I cook for you as well).  So when I can find a meat alternative that my husband REALLY loves I am all over it because it saves me time and money.  Enter TVP (textured vegetable protein). Now I'm relatively new to the world of TVP, but let me just say that I have found it to be the missing link in combining our two worlds in the kitchen.  Why you ask?  Because it makes the PERFECT TVP Ground 'Meat' Alternative Recipe!

If you have been following me for a while you already know this about me, but if you are new here let me just say that I would NEVER share something that wasn't everything I say it is.  I pride myself on good food no matter what.  Also, I didn't quit eating meat because I didn't like it.  I quit eating meat for health reasons, so I still want to be able to enjoy all the things I loved before.  That's why when I say this TVP Ground 'Meat' Alternative Recipe will blow your mind I mean it!  It's the one thing I make that my husband thinks could actually fool his fellow carnivores. Let me show you how I make it!  

Let's Get Started!

WHY MEAT ALTERNATIVES?

I can give you dozens of reasons for meat alternatives. From things like social justice to economic reasons. Environmental reasons to just plain ol' health reasons.  It's not hard to find them.  However, let me share with you my top three reasons I choose to live this way. 

1. First and foremost HEALTH. I suffer from an autoimmune disease that is extremely aggravated by meat and dairy.  On top of that, I'm lactose intolerant, and I find that dairy just doesn't agree with me.  It's for these reasons that I have chosen this veg life and recommend you looking into it as well. I would just like to say that I began and maintain this journey alongside my my doctor's advice and would never suggest you make any dietary changes without discussing it with your physician first.  
2. Secondly, MONEY!  Listen, I don't think any of us is blind to the fact that grocery prices are out of control.  Before 2020 I could feed my family of three, three meals a day, seven days a week, for around $50. And that was eating a traditional American Standard diet, as well as buying mostly organic.  Let's just say things have changed and that same $50 would barely scratch the surface buying all store brand generic.  In learning how to make delicious plant-based recipes you can literally cut your grocery budget significantly.  For example, 1 pound of ground beef will cost you around $6.00 at the time of this post.  However, the same $6.00 of TVP will get you the equivalent of 5-6 pounds of ground "meat".  The math speaks for itself here. 
3. Lastly, I JUST LIKE IT.  I don't think I need to explain that.  

WHAT IS TVP AND WHY DOES IT WORK HERE?

TVP short for textured vegetable protein. It’s produced during the process of making soybean oil. Once the oil is extracted from the soybeans, a high protein paste remains. This paste is pushed through a hot nozzle to form different shapes such as nuggets, strips, or flakes and then dehydrated.  Once rehydrated it's the perfect ground meat texture and works well in things like vegan casseroles, soups, stews, tacos, pasta sauces, etc.  Just like tofu and soy curls TVP has no real flavor of it's own, but it works like a sponge and will take on the flavor of whatever it is seasoned with.  

As far as health benefits TVP is low in calories and is a great source of protein.  It packs a whopping 9 grams per 1/4 cup with NO FAT!  It's also a great source of fiber, 3 grams per serving.  Not to mention TVP is also rich in minerals and vitamins such as copper, folate, magnesium, thiamine, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.  And because I know someone will ask, it only has 6 grams of carbs per serving which is pretty good when you think about this being plant based.  

So as you can see, there aren't a lot of reasons to NOT give TVP a try!

HERE IS HOW I MAKE IT: