Soy-Ginger Tempeh

 

  

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I tend to be a monoeater.  A monoeater is someone who favors one type of food over an extended period of time.  While I like diversity, I find that if I have too many food options, I become overwhelmed and feel like I have to eat everything at once so that it doesn't rot in my fridge (being single makes buying food challenging at times because social events and outings mean that meals made at home can be inconsistent...and I hate wasting food, esp when there are people in crisis).  As a result, I find that I eat better and cook better when I limit myself to 3-4 meal types per week.  This limits what I have to think about buying for groceries as well as allows me to prepare my food during the weekend in batches and then just grab and go for work.

If you haven't tried mono-eating, give it a go.  Variety can be great but mono-eating is simple and makes you appreciate the flavors in each dish at different meals, experiencing flavors differently depending on what side dishes you might be eating or even what emotions you might be feeling. 

Right now, my food of the moment is TEMPEH and SPINACH.  Here is my recipe for soy-ginger tempeh:

Soy Ginger Tempeh Salad

• 1/2 package tempeh, cubed (I like: http://www.foodservicedirect.com/product.cfm/p/170786/Light-Life-Foods-Organic-Flax-Seed-Tempeh-8-Ounce.htm)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1t crushed garlic
• 1T olive oil
• 4T light soy sauce
• 1t fresh grated ginger
• garlic powder
• 1/2 c peas
• 1/2 c corn
• 3 sprigs chopped cilantro
• 1 slice red onion, chopped
• 3T ginger soy dressing

1. Take cubed tempeh and put into bowl with soy sauce, ginger, and sprinkle of garlic powder.  Marinate at room temperature for 30 min.
2. While tempeh is marinating, steam peas and corn in microwave, then let cool.  Also, chop the cilantro and onion and set aside.

3.When tempeh is done marinating....On stove, heat olive oil with garlic and let sizzle.  Add tempeh and spinach and cook until tempeh browns around edges.  Transfer to bowl and let cool.

4. Combine cooled spinach, tempeh with corn, peas, onion, cilantro.  Mix.  Add dressing.  Enjoy!

Health benefits:

• tempeh - a meat substitute that is high in protein and fiber so it fills you up on less calories than meat
• spinach - do I need to revisit this wonder-food? I didn't think so...
• garlic - may help lower cholesterol and is a powerful antioxidant, helping to repair cells
• ginger - a great spice that aids in digestion and may boost immunity, among other star qualities
• peas - high in fiber and low cal, so you fill up on just a small amount
• cilantro - also may aid in digestion, like ginger
• onion - contains quercetin, which recent research has shown may help boost exercise performance, and inulin, a special type of fiber that helps regulate insulin so your satiety is steady during the day