Recipe: Indonesian Tempeh

The fermentation process that creates tempeh breaks down the soybeans, making them more digestible than tofu for some folks. Tempeh also outshines tofu when it comes to protein, fiber, minerals and fiber. Many versions of tempeh may incorporate whole grains, lentils and herbs. Grain tempeh varieties are fine but avoid pre-seasoned tempeh in this recipe — I used a three-grain tempeh which was delicious.

Yield: 4 servings
Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 ounces (unseasoned) tempeh, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 large sweet potato, diced into a 1/2-inch pieces 
• 2 assorted colored peppers, halved, seeded, membranes removed, sliced 
• 1 tablespoon garlic 
• 1 (13-14) ounce can coconut milk 
• 1 tablespoon curry powder 
• 2 tablespoons tamari or shoyu 
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped 
• Chopped hot chili peppers or red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the tempeh over medium heat until lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add sweet potato and sautée an additional 10 minutes. 2. Add additional 1 tablespoon oil to pan and sautée the peppers, and garlic and onion for five minutes.
3. Whisk together coconut milk, curry and tamari and add to the pan. Stir, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring, or until sweet potato is fork tender. Stir in basil and season to taste with hot chilies, if desired.

This recipe was written by Peggy Lampman and originally posted on AnnArbor.com on Nov. 28, 2011.