Textured vegetable proteins - a complete meat alternative

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TYPE OF INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND THEIR PLACE IN THE DIET
Try them in your favorite recipe and enjoy tempting taste and health benefits

Proteins are an essential part of a healthy diet. How do you get them if you choose a meat-free diet? And what if you don't want to eliminate meat from your menu but simply reduce its intake? What alternative can you use to provide your body with all the benefits of protein, but also the enjoyment of a magnificent, juicy burger? Can you have the best of both worlds: benefits and taste, without actually eating meat? The answer is an innovation from recent years that is gaining more and more fans worldwide: textured vegetable proteins. They are not a passing fad, but a real solution with which you get added health in the form of benefits from plant-based protein, as well as options for preparing your favorite meat dishes, provided by a smart solution: protein texturing. Quickly, easily, and deliciously, you get the opportunity to continue to be creative in the kitchen and cook without narrowing your culinary horizons, with the help of an important assistant. Learn more about it, and you will see for yourself that it is worth trusting.

What are textured vegetable proteins?

Textured vegetable proteins (TVP) are a complete meat substitute based on plant proteins. They originated as an idea and product based on soy, which has been part of the diet in East Asia for millennia. Years ago, soy was touted as the only complete alternative to meat. Recently, however, the idea and technology for textured vegetable proteins have found other, more suitable main characters, such as peas and faba (broad beans).

The emphasis and main idea of TVP is to preserve the benefits and deliver valuable nutrients while providing an excellent option that can replace meat in every sense, so that this choice does not require compromises with taste and usefulness. Moreover, not with protein in powder form, which you cannot fully use in all your favorite meat recipes, but with a texture suitable for direct replacement.

Textured vegetable proteins are exactly that - textured. This means that unlike traditional powdered plant proteins, here they are in a form that more closely matches what meat would have in various recipes. They are available in the form of granules or finely chopped meat, which are an alternative to minced meat for dishes such as stuffed peppers and spaghetti "Bolognese", as well as larger meat pieces that can be included in various recipes such as chicken with sweet and sour sauce.
 
Application of textured vegetable proteins

To take advantage of all the benefits of textured vegetable proteins, simply hydrate them in hot water 1 to 2 for a few minutes. Voila! Then, continue with the recipe, using them instead of the meat in it.

How to use them?
 

• direct meat substitute in the diet;
• instead of consuming meat every day, replace it a few days a week, thus preserving all the benefits;
• replacement for textured soy products - textured vegetable proteins from, for example, peas, are a better alternative worth trying;
• suitable choice for vegans, vegetarians, and recipes from these cuisines where a more specific texture is needed;
• you can safely replace part of the meat in a favorite dish, thus reducing meat consumption and
• adding health benefits; the neutral taste of pea protein will be flavored by the meat in the dish, and the result will be close to worthy of even a Michelin judge's palate;
• adds juiciness and health benefits to any dish;
• all vitamins and minerals are fully preserved and ready to eat;
  
  Textured pea protein
  
  Textured pea proteins are a value-added food product that meets modern trends for increased plant-based foods in the diet, as a mechanism to reduce meat consumption due to its excessive use in Western countries.
  
  They are completely natural, GMO-free, gluten-free, a sustainable product with proven organic origin and benefits. They offer a new concept for appetizing healthy eating without soy and wheat, which are present in so many food products on the market but turn out to be not so "good" and beneficial for everyone's plate.
  
  Pea textured protein, in addition to taste and benefits, also provides a purely visual and sensory pleasure, reminiscent of the fibrous structure of meat products. The taste is neutral, which makes them not only an excellent companion for all kinds of products whose aromas they can absorb, but also a suitable choice for vegans and vegetarians who are not used to the taste of meat.
  
  And furthermore - pea protein is not an allergen, unlike soy and wheat. Taco, burger, "chicken" nuggets - everything is possible with good will, enthusiasm, and pea textured protein.
  
  What is the nutritional value of pea protein?
  
  Regardless of the source, proteins are an essential element for the growth, recovery, and overall function of muscle tissue. With the rise of food intolerances, specific diets, and allergens, alternatives to animal proteins are multiplying. Pea protein is considered the most worthy plant-based alternative to whey proteins. It is typically produced from yellow peas and is a super source of a number of health benefits that you can also enjoy when choosing textured pea protein to completely or partially replace meat in your diet.
  
  It is produced by drying and grinding peas, followed by mixing the resulting powder with water to separate the starch and fibers. The resulting pea protein is a "complete" protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. As you know, the body cannot produce these itself and must get them through food. This distinguishes it from other plant proteins, which lack one or another amino acid. Despite the absence of methionine, pea protein contains more arginine, related to blood flow and heart health, than whey proteins.
  
  It is also a beneficial source of iron. It contains folic acid and fiber, as well as vitamins C and B1. Suitable for almost any diet, as it does not contain any of the eight major food allergens – peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow's milk, wheat, and soy. It mixes easily with water and liquids and has a neutral taste.
   
  
  
  
  What are the benefits of consuming pea protein?
   
• builds muscle mass – a number of studies prove its effectiveness in building muscle mass when combined with exercise;
• satiates excellently and better than carbohydrates and fats; this, in turn, means lower food consumption and aids healthy weight loss;
• an excellent way to add protein to the diet;
• can reduce risk factors for heart disease such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels;
• a 2020 study proves that the effects of plant proteins, including pea protein, are equivalent to animal proteins;
  
  Textured vegetable proteins from peas are often supplemented with faba beans.
  
  Faba beans (broad beans)


• produced from faba bean seeds;
• contains B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, manganese;
• has one of the strongest and most impressive amino acid profiles among plant proteins, including isoleucine, leucine, and valine, which are essential for muscle growth;
• an excellent partner for pea protein;
• has a subtle, slightly earthy flavor that resonates wonderfully with all kinds of recipes, including vegetable soups;
• an excellent choice for people with allergies;
  
  In the textured vegetable proteins of innovative companies like the Bulgarian Dragon Superfoods, pea protein goes hand in hand with faba protein – for even more health and benefits.
  
  Premium taste and aromas without meat – with textured pea protein, supplemented with faba beans
  
  Spaghetti bolognese, curry, stuffed zucchini, a burger, or tacos – everything is easy and delicious with textured pea protein.
  
  Here's an interesting recipe that will win your heart and palate:)
  
  Jamaican Patties (no beef)
  
  For the dough:
   
• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 2/3 cup butter + 2/3 cup lard
• 1 cup cold water
  
  Mix the dry ingredients and cut in the butter and lard. Mix well. Add half the water and stir well with a fork. Continue adding water until a soft, elastic dough is formed. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate.
  
  For the filling:
   
• 2 cups textured pea protein
• 1/2 cup broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder (optional)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 1 small pumpkin, coarsely grated
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cane sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  
  1. Mix the broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and spices (you don't have to use all of them if you don't like spicy dishes, choose according to your preference) with the textured pea protein granules.
  
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add the pumpkin and onion. Cook until golden. Add the chopped garlic cloves, ginger, chopped cabbage, thyme, and broth-soaked granules. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring.
  
  3. Add the water, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer over low heat until most of the liquid evaporates.
  
  4. Add the breadcrumbs and leave for a few more minutes on the hob. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  
  5. Divide the dough into four balls.
  
  6. Roll each between sheets of baking paper. Cut the resulting dough into circles about 12 cm in diameter (you can use a bowl for this purpose).
  
  7. Place a few spoons of the cooled filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edges with water and close to form a crescent. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pocket. 8. Chill the formed patties for at least one hour in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them.
  
  9. Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Cool before eating.
  
  Dragon Superfoods textured vegetable proteins are suitable for this recipe.
  
  *You can use rice paper or make dough according to your own recipe. The filling is also suitable for a variation of shepherd's pie. Just pour into a baking dish, cover with mashed potatoes, and bake.
  
  Bon appétit!
  
  Why choose Dragon Superfoods textured vegetable proteins?
  In a time when, for a number of reasons, meat alternatives are one of the fastest-growing food niches, taste and texture are needed to attract consumers' attention. Appetizing solutions like those from Dragon Superfoods are what tip the scales in favor of textured vegetable proteins. They are an excellent option for supplementing, reducing, or eliminating meat consumption from the diet, without losing benefits, taste, or enjoyment of favorite dishes.
  
  Try them in your favorite burger recipe or stuffed peppers and discover a whole new healthy and tasty world where health and umami go hand in hand. Your cardiologist and dietitian will like this. Your loved one, whom you can surprise with an exquisite dinner where meat gives way to textured proteins, will also be pleased.
  
  The truth is a bite – or two – away. It's up to you!