The "Mediterranean Tahini Sauce" version is 1 of 4 in this White Wave product line. Retailing between $3 to $4, I recently purchased two packages (on sale) at a Giant supermarket in Westminster, MD, to facilitate making dinner for some non-vegan friends. Here's my review:
First, let me acknowledge up front that for the price of the prepared food, one could make three times as much (at least) using fresh ingredients. This is a convenience food, though, and I was pressed for time and cooking for friends at their home.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "marinated, baked, grilled, delicious" is the description provided. "Fully cooked -- ready in minutes. All Natural, nothing artificial. Organic Tofu. Cholesterol-free."
PACKAGING: microwaveable black plastic tray container, plastic covering, wrap-around cardboard "label" with recipes, witty writing, ton of information, and "kewl" attitude.
NUTRITION: 240 calories per serving (120 from fat). Total Fat: 13g, no trans fat, 640 mg. sodium (27% daily value). Calcium and Iron weigh in at 15% each. This is not low-fat or low-sodium, but with moderation, probably okay for most people.
INGREDIENTS: (from the website listed below): "Organic Tofu (Water, Organic Soybeans, Nigari [Magnesium Chloride], Gypsum), Water, Sesame Paste, Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Sesame Oil, Sake (Rice, Water, Koji [Cultured Rice], Salt), Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Rice Vinegar, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Lime, Orange Peel, Red Bell Pepper, Chili, Molasses, Caramel Color, Salt, Citric Acid."
Love that I can pronounce all the ingredients and know what they are without having to do any research!
DINNER: I had used one of the other Tofu Town products in the past (Teriyaki?) and had a sense of how I wanted to approach the meal. With the tenders, I opened the trays and removed the tofu "cubes" and tried to save as much sauce as possible. I cut each of the large cubes into either half or quarters to "extend" the amount of tofu.
Started the brown rice, prepped garlic for the side dish (wok stir-fried mixed kale and rainbox chard from Sue's garden) and the greens (chopping the stems into small chunks, rough chopping leaves, rising all but keeping in two seperate bowls).
In preparation, I knew that we had additional tahini, tamari (which I brought with me), and red chili pepper flakes (gotta know your audience). I first sauteed sliced onions a red pepper flakes (gotta know your audience) for a few minutes, then added a package of slice mushrooms (another time-saver). I then sauteed the tofu "cubettes" to get them warm. Carefully, I added, with the reserved leftover sauce, a mixture of water and tahini to get the approximate "thickness" of the sauce I wanted. I knew I'd probably have to adjust it later, so I kept the temperature very very low on simmer until ready to serve. I added a little tamari and black pepper to taste as the meal prep progressed.
About fifteen minutes before the rice was done, I cooked the greens and let them steam lightly with the heat turned-off. The trick is NOT to overcook greens, and let them steam off-heat a few minutes after initial stir-frying. Don't want 'em soggy.
I seem to recall a third side dish... might have been salad, although unlikely. Maybe homemade corn bread? Whatever!
RESULTS: rave reviews from the non-vegans and clearly a big hit. Need to be careful when making as it can get dry fast if not covered properly between servings.
CONCLUSION: excellent product, tasty, versatile, and just amazing to see in a mainstream grocery store. Twenty-five years ago when I went vegetarian (vegan for the past 4 or so), I would have been stunned to Tofu Tenders anywhere, let alone on "Main Mtreet USA." White Wave is producing some superb vegan products; the tofu is organic, the ingredient really "natural," the packaging is delightful and informative, and the website really really useful. My highest recommendations to the company and their products. Truly impressive!
CONTACT INFO: Website (with great general tofu recipes and nutritional information). The excellent Tofu Tenders FAQ - [Note: the Four Tofu Town Tofu Tenders Products are: Havana Black Bean, Mediterranean Tahini, Sesame Ginger Teriyaki, Tamari]
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