Imitation Nation

Recipes

Written by Elke Probkevitz

Thursday, 10 February 2011 13:17

The kosher consumer can benefit from all the imitation products available on the market. From mock crab and lobster to vegetarian meat substitutes, a non-kosher recipe can instantly be adapted and incorporated into the kosher cookâ€™s repertoire. If youâ€™ve always been a little curious what a non-kosher ingredient might taste like, or wanted to try a recipe that requires a dairy and meat product to be combined, imitation ingredients can be very useful.

Imitation crab. This commonly used seafood substitute is actually made of real fishâ€”usually pollack that has a mild flavor. The fish is processed and artificial flavorings are added to it to make it taste similar to crab. Imitation crab is sold in chunks or in stick form and is found in the frozen section of your grocery store. A lobster version is also available with a slightly different flavor. These products are precooked and can be used to make sushi, salads, and stir-fries. They can be heated up but should not be recooked or they will become tough. They can be made into imitation crab cakes and lightly browned for a delicious appetizer.

Vegetarian meat substitute. Made of soy protein or textured vegetable protein, meat substitutes can be a great alternative to meat for vegetarians or as a substitute for meat in a recipe with dairy. Soy protein is a high-quality, complete protein that is easy to digest. It comes in many forms and is extremely versatile. It is a great healthier alternative to beef, since the texture is similar to meat but it has no cholesterol and very little fat. Vegetarian meat crumbles can be added to tomato sauce to make a meat sauce for spaghetti or â€œmeatâ€-filled lasagna. It can be made into sloppy joes or even chili. Vegetarian meat also comes in patty forms, making it easy to have a burger topped with cheese.

Bacon bits. Made of soy or textured vegetable protein, imitation bacon bits are small pieces of meat-like morsels used as a condiment. Bacon bits add a smoky flavor to pizzas or dips or can be used as a crunchy garnish on a baked potato or salad.

Imitation Crab Cakes With Avocado Sauce

Ingredients:
1 medium ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
4 Tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise, divided
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
1 fresh jalapeÃ±o pepper, stemmed and quartered lengthwise
1/4 cup soymilk
16 oz. imitation crab, coarsely shredded
1/4 cup minced fresh chives
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 egg
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp. butter or substitute, melted
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more if needed

Directions:
Pulse avocado with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, sugar, and chili pepper in food processor until finely chopped. Add soymilk and purÃ©e. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill. Mix imitation crab, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, mustard, egg, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon panko in large bowl until well blended. Cover and chill.

Mix melted butter with garlic, thyme, salt and 7 tablespoons panko. Divide crab mixture into 8 patties and carefully coat with panko mixture. SautÃ© in skillet coated with olive oil over medium heat, 4 minutes on each side, flipping very carefully. Serve over greens with sauce.

Want to learn how to cook gourmet, delicious meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to an aspiring cook that you know. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing to elke@TakeHomeChef.net, or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.