Red Lentil Tofu

I saw someone making this on my instagram feed and thought to give it a try as we are trying to eat less soy products and i am always looking for other alternatives.⁠


Recipe from https://www.powerhungry.com/2021/12/mind-blowing-red-lentil-tofu/

PREP TIME: 3 minutes

COOK TIME: 8 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME: 1 hour

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 11 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (141 grams) red lentils

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (355 mL) boiling water

  • 2 cups (473 mL) room temperature water (or 1 and 1/2 cups/355 mL for EXTRA FIRM)

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Place the lentils in a colander or mesh sieve and rinse under cold water. This removes any dust or debris from the dried lentils.

  2. Combine the lentils and 1 and 1/2 cups boiling water in the container of blender (regular or high-speed). Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are plump and the water has cooled.

  3. Blend the lentil-water mixture on high speed until completely smooth, stopping several times to scrape down the sides of the blender container.

  4. Pour the lentil mixture into a medium-size, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Whisk in the remaining 2 cups water (or 1.5 cups water for extra-firm texture) and optional salt until blended.

  5. Whisk over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the mixture is thick, glossy and coats the bottom of the pan (turn heat down to medium, as needed).

  6. Scrape the batter into an 8-inch (20 cm) square glass or ceramic baking dish, smoothing the top (the dish does not need to be oiled).

  7. Refrigerate the tofu, uncovered, for at least 60 minutes until firm. For firmer tofu, refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight (Alternatively, leave the tofu in the refrigerator for up to 5 days until ready to use.)

  8. Run a dull knife around the edge of the dish; invert the tofu onto a cutting board. Cut the tofu into the desired shapes and sizes you prefer for recipes and/or storing in the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage: The tofu can be prepared up to 5 days ahead. Leave it in the original dish, or unmold it, cut into pieces, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Note that the tofu will become firmer the longer it sets.

Freezing the Tofu: If you are planning ahead, make the extra-firm variety (it freezes best). Cut the tofu into cubes and place in an airtight container. Defrost the tofu in the refrigerator. The tofu will feel wet and springy once defrosted. Place the cubes between layers of paper towels to remove excess water (very gently press, as needed). Do not press hard or the tofu will fall apart.

Extra-Firm Tofu Option: The original recipe produces a medium-firmeness tofu. For extra-firm tofu (ideal for frying, baking, and stir-frying), prepare the recipe as directed but only add 1 and 1/2 cups of room temperature water in step 4.

Tip: Use the red letnil tofu as you would in any recipe calling for soy tofu.

Other Varieties of Lentils: Other varieties of lentils can be swapped in for the red lentils. However, the taste (lentil flavor, not neutral) and texture (slightly less smooth) will change with darker skinned, whole lentils.


this was actually quite easy to make, however next time i might add even less water. I had added the 1.5 cups of room temperature water for the extra firm tofu and did have it resting in the fridge for about 5 days but the middle was still a bit soft when frying it. I will maybe wait a few more days to see if it still can firm up a bit more, otherwise next time I will add less water. Besides that wasn’t as firm as I would like it, i still find it as a good alternative, the lentil taste isn’t so overpowering but i will need to try it with the usually asian sauces like soy sauce, ginger, etc to see if it still tastes ok. so i am still trying it out and not completely convinced yet it is a good enough alternative.