Whereas vegetarians have always embraced soy foods as some of the best non-meat sources of protein, many omnivores have only just lately become interested in soy as well. In October 1999, the FDA came out with an official claim that soy foods, if eaten in a certain quantity (25 grams pure soy protein per day) and in the context of balanced diet and generally healthy lifestyle, can contribute to the prevention of heart disease. This was very exciting news to those of us who have suspected for quite some time that soy foods have positive implications for our health. Yet, for many people, exciting though this idea may be, the inclusion of soy in our diet presents a bit of a challenge.

There have been a fair number of books published in recent years that feature soy foods in general–and tofu in particular–yet even so, there has been a strong need for a definitive book on soy foods that acquaints us with all the different types available, and also provides delicious, relevant, well-tested recipes that will fit into our lifestyles whether we eat meat or not.

Fortunately for all of us, Dana Jacobi–a soy expert and top-notch food writer–has recently published an attractive and accessible volume called Amazing Soy. This is not only a cookbook, with over 240 recipes, but also a comprehensive guide to 36 different soy foods, from familiar items like tofu, to lesser-known ingredients, like tempeh and soy "meat," soy cheese, miso, and more. Dana tells interesting histories (many, unsurprisingly, originating in Asia) about each ingredient, and leads us through the planning, procuring, and cooking of all of them. Each recipe is followed by useful nutritional information, and the back of the book provides a directory of more than 105 soy food companies with their web sites and mail-order information.

From the introduction to Amazing Soy:

• When you eat soy, you are being good to your body. This amazing bean provides such significant health benefits that it has gained almost mythical status. Though we still have a great deal to learn about the nature and extent of these benefits, and it will take time to separate fact from wishful thinking, there are many compelling reasons to include soy in your diet.


• Study after study confirms that a plant-based diet is the most healthful choice. However, this does not mean you have to be vegetarian. Soy foods just make it easier to serve meatless meals so varied and exciting they satisfy everyone. Soy foods are also useful if you follow Jewish or Islamic dietary laws. (Many soy foods are kosher, as noted on their labels.)


• Soy provides high-quality protein, equal to that of poultry, milk, and other animal foods. Appealing soy products abound. They are the result of a trend to Westernization that took off in the 1970s. Now, thanks to hard work and technological innovations, nearly every group of soy foods includes good-tasting choicesŠwe have entered a new era.

Soy is delicious. The recipes in Amazing Soy prove how easily soyfoods can fit into any style of eating and any lifestyle, even that of the most particular eaters.
Amazing Soy chapters:

1. Ingredients and Techniques
2. Breakfast
3. Smoothies and Drinks
4. Dips and Starters
5. Soups and Breads
6. Salads and Dressings
7. Wraps, Burgers, and Savory Pies
8. Pizzas and Pastas
9. Stews, Casseroles, and Chilies
10. Steaks, Chops, Skewers, and Meat Loaf
11. Stir-Fries and Curries
12. Seafood
13. Mainly Vegetables
14. Desserts
15. Sauces

Recipes from Amazing Soy include: Baked Marinated Tofu
Quinoa, Sweet Potato, and Smoked Tofu Salad
Thai Green Curry with Eggplant and Fried Tofu
Miso-Poached Salmon with Spinach
Miso-Glazed Delicata Squash
Kale with Black Soybeans and Tomatoes
Spinach Salad with Crisped Tempeh
Hawaiian Kebabs
Braised Cabbage with Tempeh and Cranberries
Smoked Tempeh Pate with Walnuts
Fried Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard
Pistachio-Orange Biscotti
Pineapple-Ginger Sorbet (made with silken tofu)