What is Tempeh?
Originating from the Indonesian island of Java, this fermented soybean cake is nutty, savory, and a great source of protein. Now a staple for many vegetarians and vegans, it can be fried, added to sandwiches, salads, stews, and more.
Why Make Fresh Tempeh?
Making your own tempeh takes more time and effort than going to the grocery store, and it may or may not be cheaper. However, I think it is completely worth it from a taste standpoint. Fresh, homemade tempeh has a fuller, more complex flavor than any store-bought version I’ve had. It’s so delicious that I often barely season it. Plus, if you’re a nerd like me, you’ll find it incredibly thrilling to watch the mold grow!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound beans. I recomend chicken pea, or black bean. But you can use any kind of beans
See how many diffetent bean i have made tempeh here:
2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon tempeh starter.
You can order from my store:
EQUIPMENTS:
Large bowl to soak the bean
Large cooker
Ziplock or any plastic box or banana leaf
Incubator with thermostat
I bought the incubator at Tractor Supply with only $60
INSTRUCTIONS
Soak the beans: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover by 3 inches with water. Let stand overnight or at least 12 hours.
De-hull and split the beans: The hulls or skins need to be removed in order for the spores to inoculate the beans. Using your hands or a potato masher, knead and squeeze the beans so that the hulls fall off and the beans split in half. This is the most labor-intensive part of the tempeh-making process and may take 10 to 20 minutes. Don't worry about de-hulling and splitting every last bean, but do try to get a majority of them. Periodically stir the water so the hulls to float to the surface; skim them off and discard them.
Cook the beans: Drain the beans, transfer them to a large pot, and cover by 2 inches with fresh water. Bring to a boil. Skim off and discard any foam or hulls that rise to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender but not mushy, about 45 minutes.
Prepare the zip-top bags: While the beans are cooking, prepare the bags. Using the skewer or a large needle, prick holes in the bags at 1-inch intervals.
Dry the beans: Drain the beans. Spread them out on two towel-lined baking sheets and pat them dry.
Cool the beans: Let the beans cool to below body temperature.
Add the vinegar: Transfer the beans to a clean, dry bowl. Sprinkle the vinegar over the beans and mix well. Adding vinegar lowers the pH and prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria.
Add the tempeh starter: Sprinkle the tempeh starter over the beans and mix for about a minute to distribute evenly.
Fill the bags or the plastic box: Divide the beans between the two bags.
Flatten the bags: Seal the bags and flatten the beans out evenly.
Incubate the tempeh: Place the bags in the incubator. The temperature must be between 85°F and 90°F for the next 24 to 48 hours, so periodically check to make sure the temperature is consistent.
Check at 12 hours: Between 12 and 24 hours you should start to see some white mycelium growing on the beans. You may want to lower the heat source because the beans will start generating their own heat as the mold grows; an instant-read thermometer is handy for checking the internal temperature of the fermenting tempeh.
Continue to incubate up to 48 hours:Depending on your conditions, the tempeh may take up to 48 hours total. The mycelium will continue to thicken, forming a white layer around the beans and binding them into a dense, firm cake. The tempeh is done when the entire surface is covered with dense, white mycelium (some black or gray spots are okay), as well as the spaces between the beans. The beans should be bound together firmly as a cake. You may want to slice a small piece off the edge to make sure the cake is firm all the way through. The tempeh should smell pleasantly nutty and mushroomy. It may also have a light ammonia smell.
Stop the fermentation: Remove the bags from the incubator and let the tempeh cool to room temperature. Transfer the tempeh cakes to airtight bags or containers and store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Using tempeh: Use freshly-made tempeh in your recipes! Tempeh can be eaten raw or cooked. Cooking brings out the nutty flavor, and some people prefer cooked because it can be slightly bitter raw.
Freezing tempeh: To freeze the tempeh, steam it for 20 minutes and then freeze in an airtight container up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting: You may see some black or gray spots on the tempeh, especially near the air holes — this is completely normal and safe. If you see any other colors or if the tempeh is mushy, slimy, or smells bad, you should discard it.
OVERALL:
I've made tempeh many times and with various types of legumes from soybeans to adzuki beans or even cannellini beans.
Now I can do it without even weighing the starter and I go by eye without using the fermentation chambers but only the oven with the yogurt maker inside which I use to heat the environment. I think tempeh is one of the best foods that man has ever invented, it is very rich in proteins and trace elements and self-produced, it costs very little. I advise everyone to try their hand spending very little money for the purchase of the starter you will be satisfied, the only thing you have to check is the temperature must be between 29 and 32 degrees (82-90 °F) while acidification can be done with white vinegar or with lactic acid the important thing is to lower the pH of the substrate.
But most of children will prefer no vinegar tempeh, so please try with no vinegar.
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