10 ways with tofu

If you think tofu is just for vegetarians, think again.

1.  No-bake ‘cheese’ cake

Blend 450g silken tofu with 1 1/2 cups castor sugar, 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. Layer digestive biscuits in a pie tin, pour tofu mixture over and chill until set.

2.  Fabulous frosting

For a healthier creamy icing, blend 1 packet silken tofu with 1 tablespoon each of vegetable oil, lemon juice and honey.

3.  Mayo magic

For an egg-free mayonnaise, combine 2 tablespoons lemon juice with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add 1 packet soft or silken tofu and blend until smooth. Add chopped fresh herbs to the mix for extra flavour.

4.  Cream of the crop

Swap the cream in a creamy pasta sauce for puréed silken tofu to keep the texture, boost protein and cut the saturated fat.

5.  Smooth morning

Mix 1/4 packet soft tofu into a morning smoothie to add protein and kick-start your day.

6.  Eggs-ellent idea

Tofu can replace eggs in any recipe. Simply replace each egg with 5 tablespoons puréed tofu. Great for those with egg allergies.

7. Super soups

Give tomato or split pea soup or chowder extra creamy texture: stir in a few tablespoons of puréed tofu and heat through.

8.  Divine dessert

Whip up a healthy, luscious chocolate mousse. Melt 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate pieces and blend with 1 packet silken tofu. Chill for several hours and serve with berries.

9.  Marvellous marinade

To make a marinade or sauce perfect with white fish or salmon, mix 1/2 cup silken tofu with 1 tablespoon each of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lemon juice and olive oil.

10.  Dairy-free dip

For a quick party dip purée 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of garlic, cumin and lemon juice with 1 can drained cannellini beans and 1 packet tofu.