My family loves trying new products. In my case, this applies to beauty products, of course, but also to food. I recently wanted to innovate and try some TVP (textured vegetable protein) to reinvent my tacos. I tried it with TVP from Quebecois company Les Brutes, whose beautiful, colourful packaging caught my eye. So, are you ready to try some TVP with me?
What is Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)?
Primarily derived from soy, TVP is the result of a simple process: the soybeans are defatted, then pressure-cooked and dried, giving them a fibrous texture reminiscent of ground meat.
This innovative food product provides a source of complete plant-based protein with high nutritional value. Indeed, weight for weight, TVP contains more protein and less fat than ground beef, in addition to containing more fibre! A great food alternative for athletes and those looking for more sustaining meal ideas.
The Benefits of TVP
Economical, easy to store, and quick to prepare, TVP represents an environmentally friendly and accessible option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without compromising the taste or texture of their favourite dishes. It’s a food that will please everyone, even picky children and meat lovers!
Another strength of TVP lies in its neutral taste, allowing it to absorb the flavours of any marinade, spice, or sauce. It’s therefore an ultra-versatile product, ideal for use in a multitude of dishes, from chilli to Bolognese sauce, from stuffings to tacos.
It’s also worth mentioning that TVP’s environmental impact is significantly less than that of meat. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. In short, there are plenty of good reasons to consume TVP and incorporate it into your meals!
Adopting TVP in Your Diet
TVP easily replaces meat in all your meals. It’s very simple to use: rehydrate the TVP in boiling water or hot broth for 10 minutes. Add the spices of your choice, depending on the recipe, and it’s ready to serve!
Les Brutes offers pre-seasoned TVP pouches: Mexican and Greek, as well as an unseasoned variety (and new flavours coming soon!). There are 4 servings per pouch, and the product keeps for a long time in the pantry. It’s super practical for a weeknight dinner made in no time!
TVP from Les Brutes: a Quebecois innovation
Quebecois company Les Brutes was founded in 2024 by a brother and sister and their respective life partners. Growing up on a farm in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, near Montreal, Junior and Marie-Pier envisioned a way to take soy farming to the next level. After exploring soy-based food products, they settled on PVT. This nutritious, affordable product is prepared right here and is part of the growing ecological and vegetarian/vegan movement. Their products are available at various grocery stores and food outlets throughout Quebec, and you can order them directly from their website.
So, does TVP pass the test?
TVP is quick and easy to use. I even found it quite cute: pretty little uniform spheres, about the size of pearl couscous. The texture of TVP will please everyone, and even meat lovers won’t notice: when you bite into it, it’s almost like eating meat. TVP is just a little fluffier, but it has a nice texture, similar to the texture of ground beef.
I loved the Mexican-flavoured TVP from Les Brutes in fajitas. I served it with guacamole, mango salsa, vegetables, and cheese; it was delicious!
Discover recipe ideas for making TVP to try new flavours and vary your menu.
