Soy loaf

Soy loaf - a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for fasting meals or for those who want to bring a touch of innovation to their diet. Inspired by a practical cookbook with fasting recipes, this simple and quick recipe will transform soy into a savory dish, full of nutrients.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 125 g soy (flakes)
- 1-2 medium onions
- 1.5-2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 large slice of bread (preferably whole grain)
- 1 clove of garlic
- Fresh greens (parsley, dill or your preference)
- Oil (for sautéing the onion)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

A short story about soy loaf
The loaf is a traditional dish popular in many cultures, often associated with holidays and festive meals. The soy version is a modern reinterpretation that combines its unique taste with the nutritional benefits of plant proteins. It is an excellent choice for a balanced diet, being low in calories and high in fiber.

Preparing the soy loaf

1. Preparing the soy: Start by placing the soy flakes in a pot of boiling water. Add a vegetable seasoning (or a stock cube) and 1-2 cloves of garlic. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it soak for a few hours. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture.

2. Draining the soy: After the soy has hydrated, drain it very well. It is important to remove excess water to avoid a too-wet loaf. You can use a sieve or a clean cloth to help with this process.

3. Preparing the onion: Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a pan with a little oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Do not let it brown too much, as we want to keep the fresh flavor of the onion. Once the onion is ready, let it cool slightly.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained soy, sautéed onion, slices of bread (which have been previously soaked in water and well squeezed), the remaining crushed garlic, and finely chopped greens. Add the flour and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Shaping the loaf: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and transfer the loaf mixture into the pan, leveling it with a spatula. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crunchy and delicious appearance.

6. Baking: Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. The loaf is ready when it becomes golden and easily pulls away from the edges of the pan.

7. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the loaf cool completely in the pan, then remove it and slice it. It is served cold, as an appetizer or main dish, alongside a fresh salad.

Useful tips
- Choosing soy: Soy flakes are available in most health stores or supermarkets. Make sure to choose high-quality soy without additives.
- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can add other vegetables or spices to diversify the taste.
- Serving: The soy loaf pairs perfectly with a yogurt sauce or a tomato and cucumber salad.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the loaf can be frozen very well. Make sure it is well wrapped, and when defrosting, let it warm to room temperature.
- Can I use another type of protein? Sure! Soy flakes can be replaced with lentils or cooked chickpeas.

Nutritional benefits
The soy loaf is rich in plant proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent choice for supporting the immune system and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, soy consumption is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved cardiovascular health.

Possible variations
- Additions: You can experiment with spices like cumin, coriander, or turmeric to give your loaf a unique taste and aroma.
- Texture: If you desire a crunchier texture, you can add nuts or seeds to the mixture.
- Serving with sauces: A tahini sauce or a spicy tomato sauce will perfectly complement this dish.

I wish you success in preparing this soy loaf and hope it becomes one of your favorite recipes! Each slice of loaf is not only a delicious snack but also a healthy choice that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!