Silken Tofu Yogurt Substitute

Hello all! This is a quick and simple recipe for a silken tofu-based yogurt substitute. It is yet another recipe in my current series of “How do I replace ‘X’ in my diet if I want to go plant-based?”

A simple answer to how to replace dairy yogurt is to just pick up some plant-based yogurt at the market. Soy, cashew, almond, and coconut-based yogurts can now be found in most major super markets, and certainly in any “health food” store. Most of them contain bacterial cultures and are lightly fermented, to give you all that “good gut bacteria” that everyone is talking about these days.

If those beneficial bacteria are what you’re looking for when you reach for yogurt, then this post is not for you! This versatile recipe seeks not to provide probiotics, but rather to serve as the cold, creamy, delicious, protein-rich basis for granola and berry parfaits. It’s extremely easy to whip up, costs a fraction of what manufactured plant-based yogurts cost, and only has 4 ingredients.

It is a total staple in my household, I make it at least a couple times a month. My five year old loves it as a snack with blueberries, and I love knowing that he’s getting a great dose of nutrition from both the tofu and the chia seeds. This recipe is high in protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.

For more information on silken tofu, as well as a killer dairy-free dessert, check out my Dairy-Free Lemon Pie recipe.

RECIPE NOTES

A quick note on separation: Silken tofu separates a bit when it sits; you’ll get a small amount of water on the top. If that is present when you open your tub, try to pour a bit of it off. The chia seeds in this recipe are going to do the job of absorbing all the liquids and helping to create a desirable consistency. Still, you may find some separation when you open this up after a few days. It’s no big deal, just give it a stir. It’ll still taste delicious.

A quick note on sweetness: Go with your preferences! Personally, I love liquid stevia. A few drops go a long way and it’s non-caloric. For this recipe, I use a vanilla flavoured liquid stevia. If stevia’s not your thing, no worries. You can use maple syrup, agave syrup, or even date syrup to sweeten this recipe. Start light and add as needed.

INGREDIENTS – 5 servings

• 1 container (1000 grams) Horium Organic Super Smooth Tofu (this huge tub of organic tofu is only about $3.50 CAD) OR 3, 340 gram silken tofu packages, such as Morinu
• 1/4 cup Chia seeds
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Liquid stevia to taste OR maple syrup to taste OR agave syrup to taste
• Dash of vanilla extract (optional)

METHOD

• Combine all ingredients and process until smooth using either an emersion blender, a blender, or a food processor. The chia seeds will still be present in the finished product, kind of like a tapioca. (See lead photo)
• Adjust sweetness and enjoy!

I love this yogurt with frozen berries and a handful of my Banana Granola. For a spicier version, try my Ring of Fire Granola. For the true nutritarians out there, try this Oil Free Chia Granola (: