TVP: Just what is it exactly? and how do you use it?

         TVP, to some folks its an arcane term or something that just doesn't sound right. Some people have seen it in Health food stores or at Whole Foods. It has been a standard cooking item for those on Vegetarian or health diets. In today's modern world its popping up all over the place. It's Kosher approved, it is used in school lunches, prison kitchens and "fake" meat products made from it are hanging out in grocery stores. TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein. It is a by-product of the soybean oil industry.

TVP is made from soy flour after all the fat (soybean oil) has been removed. The flour is then pressure cooked, extruded, then dried. What is left is dried chunks that resemble bread crumbs. This product has no cholesterol, its high in fiber, and because it is soy, high in protein. For storage purposes its cheap. It is available from a variety of sources including some grocery and heath food stores. A 1/4 of a cup of basic TVP has 120 calories and 21 grams of protein. It is available in a variety of flavors: beef, chicken, ham, sausage, taco, and plain. The advantage of plain is that you can flavor it yourself.
            Making TVP is very easy. The process is similar to that of couscous. Add about 1 cup of boiling water (7/8 of a cup) to 1 cup of TVP. After the water is absorbed set the TVP aside to cool.  A good way to flavor plain TVP is to use stock or broth in place of water. At home I use bouillon cubes in boiling water.
To make basic patties add 3 Tbl of flour to each 1 cup of TVP, then form the patties.
     Last night I made enchiladas using plain TVP. Here's the recipe:

• 1 cup of plain TVP
• 1 can of refried beans
• 1 can of chili beans or black beans
• 1/2 cup of Nopales *
• 2 cups of cheese sauce (made from powdered cheese)
• 1 small jar of Salsa
• 4  large flour tortillas **
• Taco seasoning, optional
• 1 beef bouillon cube

1. spread the refried beans over the inside of a baking dish
2. add about a water to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the cube and dissolve
3. add the TVP to the water, stir and remove from heat
4. Add the beans to the TVP. Bring heat to a simmer and add the Nopales, seasoning, and 1/2 the cheese
5. fill the tortillas with the TVP mixture and fold the tortillas over. Place them in the pan seam side down.
6.  Pour the remaining cheese over the dish and top with salsa
7. bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes 
8. Serve with chips and enjoy

** You can find canned Nopales at most ethnic grocery stores. Nopales is just picked cactus. its good.
** Corn tortillas can be used also