Maximize flavor and savings with TVP

#MiddleburyCT #TVP #CottagePie

In an era of rising prices, exploring versatile, budget-friendly ingredients is crucial. Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a versatile and cost-effective meat substitute made from dehydrated soy flour or soy protein concentrate. It’s used as a meat extender or substitute, making it a popular choice for frugal people looking to stretch their meat budget or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. TVP is known for its high protein content and ability to absorb flavors, making it a suitable extender or replacement for ground meat in many recipes.

To rehydrate TVP, use a 1:1 ratio of TVP to liquid (by volume). This means for every 1 cup of dry TVP add 1 cup of liquid. The dry TVP expands into 2 cups of meat substitute and can be stored in the fridge for three to five days.

When using TVP, season it generously with flavorful liquids, herbs, spices and sauces along with ingredients like onions, garlic and vegetables to enhance its neutral flavor.

Today, let’s explore TVP with a classic favorite: Cottage Pie. This offers significant savings without skimping on the pleasures of a hearty meal.

Savory Half-and-Half Cottage Pie

Yield: 6 generous servings
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Comfort on a budget – Cottage Pie. (www.JasonCoblentz.com)

For the mashed potatoes:
6 medium potatoes, about 2 lbs. or equivalent leftover or instant mashed potatoes
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:
1 cup Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
1 (14.5 ounce) can (1 1/2 cups) beef broth, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen peas and carrots
1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Prepare a 9-by-13 baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating, peel and chop your potatoes. Place your potatoes in cool, salted water, then bring them to a boil for 10 minutes. This gradual heating ensures even cooking, preventing the outer layers from overcooking before the insides are tender. Once they’re cooked and drained, mash with the milk and butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, rehydrate the TVP. Heat 1 cup of beef broth in the microwave (or on the stovetop) until simmering. Add the TVP to rehydrate for 5 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, sauteing until tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking and stirring for 3 minutes, allowing it to meld with the caramelized onions and develop a deeper flavor.

Add the minced garlic and ground beef, and rehydrated TVP. Cook until the meat is browned and the TVP has absorbed the delicious flavors, about 5 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, peas and carrots, creamed corn and the remaining 1/2 cup broth, and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer filling to the baking dish and spread it evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, creating an even layer. Top with cheese. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.

While savoring this scrumptious Cottage Pie, remember that TVP offers benefits beyond versatility and low-cost. TVP is environmentally friendly with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional meat production. Moreover, its high protein and fiber content make it a nutritious addition to your diet.

So, next time you’re planning meals, remember TVP and turn an ordinary meal into a cost-conscious masterpiece.

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com

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