What is soy protein?

You've probably read or heard about the countless benefits of this grain from Southeast Asia and the various ways it can be consumed. However, a process called "texturization" has recently been developed for this grain. Textured soy protein involves modifying its physical structure so that when chewed, it has the sensation of eating ground meat or chicken. It's a much more complex process that continues to be improved over the years. Currently, we can find textured soy protein in coarse or fine grains, in chunks ,slices , hydrated or dehydrated, with added flavors or plain, etc. It's a widely used ingredient in vegan and vegetarian diets , with an appearance reminiscent of cereal , being bulky yet lightweight. Dehydrated forms are generally available as flakes or chunks, made from soy flour and soy concentrates . Storing this dried vegetable protein is very easy, as it can last for quite some time in a dry place away from sunlight. The amount of water to add to the soybeans for hydration is roughly two parts liquid to one part soybeans. Once hydrated, it takes on the appearance of ground or minced meat, beige in color, more similar to ground chicken. It can be stewed, baked, formed into patties, seasoned with spices and flavorings, and countless other options are available. There are countless recipes online for preparing textured soy protein, offering many interesting ways to vary your home cooking.

Discover this recipe for making empanada filling with textured soy and vegetables

The properties and benefits of soy protein

Textured soy protein, which contains at least 50% plant-based protein, is a favorite food for vegetarians and vegans, as it's generally their primary source of protein. It provides vitamins A and B12, as well as potassium, iron, and calcium ; the latter two minerals help maintain bone health and energy levels. It's also beneficial for people on weight-loss diets because, being a plant-based source, it contains no fatty acids , has high nutritional value, and promotes satiety due to its fiber content. To give you a clearer idea, 1/4 cup of dry textured soy protein provides 7 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of fiber, and about 30 grams of plant-based protein, with no fat and only 80 calories—quite tempting! So here we have one of the main reasons why we've heard so much about textured soy protein.

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