Using TVP in Freezer Bag Cooking Recipes
Textured Vegetable Protein, known as TVP, is an excellent meat substitute that appears in many backpacking recipes because it is extremely lightweight and easy to prepare. It's also a great addition to homemade freezer bag meals because of it's nutritional value and long shelf life.
TVP is available as a powder or in the form of small chunks or flakes. Like Tofu, TVP is made from soybeans and has a very mild flavor that readily absorbs the flavors of the foods it is mixed with. To use it, soak it in warm water or simply mix it directly into soups, stews, spaghetti sauce or chili. It may thicken your meal a bit, so add a little extra water. The texture is slightly chewy, much like meat.
A 3 oz. serving contains 285 calories, 42 grams of protein and 14 grams of dietary fiber.
TVP is available in bulk at natural food stores and online at WildernessDining.com.
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Just a word of caution… If you aren’t used to eating TVP… Well, let’s just say “bring some Beano”.
I like using TVP in meals – the “hamburger” version is great. Add in the very long shelf life (a couple years) and you can backpack with it easily. I usually use 1-2 Tablespoons per person in a meal – enough to add plenty of protein but not to give one a stomachache when not used to it