Using TVP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textured_vegetable_protein

I didn't know what the heck this was when I was first introduced to it..but now I can't live without it. With 4 kids and a limited budget--this is a must -do and must-have. I
use the TVP with ground turkey to add to it--and extend it a bit. It is soy so it is protein..just cheaper than meat. I add it to my meat, add some water and I have a meat extender. So nice for feeding my hungry boys. You can find it at Sprouts, Frasier farms or any organic store in bulk--Or online.


Textured vegetable protein

Dry TVP flakes are an inexpensive protein source when purchased in bulk and can be added to a variety of vegetarian dishes or used as a supplement to bulk out a meat dish.
Textured soy chunks

Textured or texturized vegetable protein (TVP), also known as textured soy protein (TSP), soy meat, or soya meat is a meat analogue or meat substitute made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of making soybean oil. It is quick to cook, high in protein, and low in fat.

It is not to be confused with hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which is commonly used as a source of glutamate in various seasonings and imitation soy sauce.
Textured vegetable protein is a versatile substance, different forms allowing it to take on the texture of whatever ground meat it is substituting. Using textured vegetable protein, one can make vegetarian or vegan versions of traditionally meat dishes such as chili, spaghetti bolognese, sloppy joes, tacos, burgers, or burritos.

Textured vegetable protein can be found in natural food stores and larger supermarkets, usually in the bulk section. It is a major protein source for vegetarian and vegan diets.

TVP is also very lightweight, and is often used in backpacking recipes. TVP is often used in prisons for several reasons: its low relative cost, high protein, and low fat qualities make it ideal, as does its relatively long shelf life, which allows institutions to buy in bulk.

TSP is very useful when it comes to Kosher kitchens. As it is of vegetable origin, it is by itself Parve (non-meat and non-dairy). The use of TSP as a meat replacer can allow cooking of protein-rich main dish along with dairy products, ideal when there is only one set of cookware which cannot be used to cook both dairy and meat. It is very common for a daycare in Israel (which is obligatorily kosher) to use TSP as lunch base.