TVP

TVP is textured vegetable protein. Ick! That is what I thought but then I tried it. If you have a good recipe - it works!

Here is a favorite of mine. The dumplings are made with pancake mix. I buy all my goods at Mama Jeans.

Easy Veggie Cassoulet with Herbed Dumplings
INGREDIENTS: (Serves 6)
12 ounces frozen TVP crumbles
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 medium stalk celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 16-oz. can navy beans, drained
1 14.5-oz. can low-sodium vegetable broth
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups whole wheat pancake mix
2/3 cup low-fat milk
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook TVP in oil till lightly browned. Add water,oregano, basil, garlic, celery, onion, beans, broth and tomatoes into the TVP. Heat to boiling point; reduce heat.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, combine pancake mix, milk and remaining spices until a soft dough forms. Drop 12 spoonfuls of dough on top of the TVP mixture (don't drop them directly into the liquid or the cassoulet will dry out). Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, then cover and cook for anadditional 10 minutes.

NUTRITION per serving: 498 Calories; 4g Fat; 52g Protein; 73g Carbohydrate; 16g Dietary Fiber; 2mg Cholesterol; 1470mg Sodium. Exchanges: 4 1/2 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Steamed broccoli and steamed baby carrots tossed with butter and chopped parsley.