⚠️ Untested Recipe: This recipe hasn’t been tested yet. Measurements and instructions may need adjustment.

Soy-free tofu alternative made from red split lentils. No overnight soaking required. Use in curries, stir-fries, bean or pasta dishes, or enjoy on its own with dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 100 g red split lentils (3½ oz / scant ½ cup)
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (15 ml)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 300 ml water (10 fl oz / 1¼ cups)

Instructions

  1. Pour the red lentils into a medium, heatproof bowl and cover with plenty of boiling water (the lentils will start to expand, so pour a good 10 cm / 4 in over them!). Soak for 45 minutes.
  2. Once soaked, drain the lentils, rinse them, and add to a blender with the nutritional yeast, salt and water.
  3. Blend until no lumps remain and you have a smooth, salmon-coloured liquid.
  4. Heat a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or casserole on medium heat, then pour in the lentil mixture and whisk for 5-7 minutes until it’s thickened to a smooth paste. The mixture should be thick enough to stick to the whisk in globs. If it isn’t thick enough, keep heating and whisking.
  5. Grab a glass food storage container or silicone mould (5 × 5 in is a perfect size, however it doesn’t have to be square, a rectangle is fine) and pour the mixture in. Smooth it out on top so it’s even, then leave to cool for 1 hour in the fridge.
  6. Once cooled, pop the lid on and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Cooking: When you’re ready to eat it, upturn the container onto a chopping board and slice into rough 2 cm (¾ in) cubes (or any other shape of choice). Make sure to coat the red lentil tofu in cornflour, spices of choice and seasonings before either baking, air-frying or pan-frying. Pan-fry in plain cornflour, then add a splash of tamari towards the end as the edges start to crisp up nicely.

Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Uses: Use as a substitute for tofu in most recipes in curries, stir-fries, bean or pasta dishes.


Source: Sophie Waplington, Soph’s Plant Kitchen