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Red lentil cubes in a grey bowl with cilantro in the background.

Red Lentil Tofu

Discover a delicious soy-free alternative to tofu with this red lentil tofu recipe. Perfect for all sorts of dishes!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Other
Cuisine: All
Servings: 4
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 cups water boiling
  • 2 cups water at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt optional

Instructions

  • Wash and soak the lentils for 1-2 hours. Once soaked, rinse them thoroughly in running water.
  • Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add it to the soaked lentils and let it cool down for 15-20 minutes.
  • Transfer the lentils and water to the blender and grind into a fine paste. Transfer the ground mixture to a large saucepan. Add the remaining two cups of room-temperature water and salt. Whisk it well.
  • Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook the lentils, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens and comes together.
  • Grease and line a square tin, then transfer the mixture to it. Level the mixture using a spatula. Cool the pan and then place it in the refrigerator for the tofu to set. Let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it sets, the firmer it will be.
  • Once set, you can slice and cook the red lentil tofu like regular tofu.

Notes

  • Soak the split red lentils for at least an hour. This helps soften them and makes blending easier, resulting in a smoother tofu texture.
  • Strain the blended lentil mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for an even smoother tofu. This removes any remaining coarse particles and ensures a silky tofu.
  • A non-stick pan can make the cooking process smoother, reducing the chances of the mixture sticking.
  • Allow the tofu to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to cut into desired shapes.

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 596mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 3mg
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