Summer Surprise - Tofu On The Grill

Grilled Tofu With Summer Vegetables

(Family Features) - Looking for something different to cook on the grill? Something that's healthy, kid-friendly and tastes good? Tofu may be just what you're looking for.

Tofu is made from soy - and soy has some surprising health benefits. Soy is the only complete vegetable protein containing all nine amino acids the human body needs. Unlike animal protein, soy contains no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat, and provides important Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Soy is also high in fiber, low in calories and naturally sugar-free. Fiber is satisfying and helps you to feel full longer, so you don't get hungry as quickly and it's easier to eat less.

The high protein in soy also helps to promote losing fat, not muscle, and has been clinically demonstrated to help keep the weight off after you've lost it.

There are currently over 500 research projects being conducted to find out even more about the health benefits associated with eating soy-based foods.

But what about the taste? Chef Jim Coleman, host of the PBS-TV cooking show "Healthy Flavors," likes using tofu because it holds flavor well. "When you use the firmest tofu and put it in the freezer overnight and then defrost it," he adds, "it gets a more meat-like texture that some people may like."

Coleman has kids and they usually like to put together their own kabob skewers, so this recipe for Grilled Tofu with Summer Vegetables has built in family fun. It features Nasoya Tofu, which is made from whole organic soy beans. Coleman says, "It's light like the season, is heart healthy, and helps the waistline fit into summer swim suits more easily."

For recipes, newsletters and more information about soy-based products, www.vitasoy-usa.com

Grilled Tofu With Summer Vegetables
Serves 8

2 1/2 pounds Nasoya Extra Firm Organic Tofu, cubed into1 inch squares
Marinade
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1teaspoon crushed red pepper
Grilled Summer Veggies
1 large red onion cut in wedges
1 large red pepper cut in 2 inch squares
1 large zucchini cut in half inch rounds
1 yellow squash cut in half inch rounds
1 basket cherry tomatoes
8 ears corn in husks without silks
Dipping Sauce
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2tablespoons minced onion
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon honey

Mix marinade ingredients in bowl. Soak tofu cubes 3 hours in marinade.
Prepare dipping sauce and set aside.

Wrap corn in husks in tinfoil and place on hot grill for 30 minutes.

Skewer tofu cubes. Grill tofu and veggies on until nicely browned.

Serve with dipping sauce.

Source:Vitasoy