Red Lentil Tofu

“Red lentil tofu” is not a classic dish but seems to be a culinary innovation that could be interpreted as a type of tofu made with red lentils rather than soy. Below you will find a recipe for creating red lentil tofu that you can use as a substitute for traditional tofu in various dishes.

Ingredients

• 250 g of red lentils
• 750 ml of water
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by placing the red lentils in a bowl and cover with water for several hours, or until they become tender. This step reduces the cooking time.
2. Once the lentils have soaked, rinse them well under cold water and place them in a pot.
3. Add the 750 ml of water and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are completely soft and have collapsed, forming a sort of puree. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
4. If desired, you can season the mixture with salt and add a drizzle of olive oil to enrich the flavor.
5. Remove from heat and let the lentil mixture cool.
6. Prepare a mold or a square/rectangular container by lining it with parchment paper.
7. Pour the lentil mixture into the mold, leveling the surface well with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
8. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the mixture has completely solidified.
9. Once solidified, remove the “tofu” from the mold and cut into cubes or the desired shape.

Red lentil tofu can be used in various ways: sautéed in a pan, added to salads, as a component for vegan burgers, or as an ingredient in other dishes such as curries or stews.

Interesting Facts

Red lentil tofu may be considered more of a tofu analogue rather than true tofu, since traditional tofu is made of coagulated soy milk. Nonetheless, it is an excellent alternative for those looking for a different vegetable protein option from soy or for those who want to experiment with new flavors and textures in the kitchen.