Tempeh

This high-protein food (cooked soybeans inoculated with a spore and then fermented) from Indonesia, is sold in firm, flat, spotted cakes at Asian markets. It is not usually precooked and should be steamed for 20 minutes before use. It then may be cut into strips, shredded, cubed or crumbled, and used as one would use ground beef. It has a great ability to absorb flavors.