Textured Vegetable Protein : Frugal Low Fat Meat Substitute

I picked up some Bob's Red Mill TVP - textured vegetable protein for my diet. I'm low carbing it, but I also want to watch my fats. TVP is a low fat meat substitute which is also low carb. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Practicing Thrift has an excellent post explaining the benefits of TVP, and how it can be used. She even has some thrifty recipes where she has substituted TVP for meat. Practicing Thrift substitutes 1 2/3 cup reconstituted TVP per one pound of ground beef.

If you can find it in bulk, this meat substitute may cost less than $1.00 a pound. Practicing Thrift found some for 60 cents a pound.

The first thing I'll be trying tomorrow is the breakfast burrito. I am so sick of eating eggs on this low carb diet, but this looks good.

According to the Bob's Red Mill package, the TVP is rehydrated with 7/8 cup hot water, vegetable broth or stock over one cup of TVP.

And because there always seems to be some controversy swirling around soy products, read this post, and more importantly the comment section. The consensus seems to be that TVP should be used in moderation and whenever possible, purchase the organic naturally processed TVP.