Chicken substitute cooking question?

Question

So I have been craving Chicken tortilla soup, but I'm not sure if I should:

a. use the fake chick'n

b. just use plain diced tofu

c. no substitutes at all, just add more veggies

If I do option C do you think it will be too bland? How can I punch up the flavor without using actual chicken but keeping the soup tasting like tortilla soup?

Here is the recipe. Let me know which one( or any other suggestions) you think might work out the best. I'm subbing veg broth for the chicken broth =)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Tortilla-Soup-V/Detail.aspx

Answer 1

a. I have no idea what fake chicken is...sounds ucky :(

b. personally I don't like tofu...so I'd go with

c. add more veggies amp up the spice and call it good! :)

I saw this recipe...it's similar to yours, but is a veggie tortilla soup. Seems to be a fan favorite...I think you'll be fine without the meat. Oh and one suggestion was to add a can of black beans...that sounds awesome to me! :D

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Vegetarian-...

Edit: okay...so I may have just stole your idea :) I just printed out the veggie recipe...it just sounds so good! I'm always looking for a new recipe that is sans meat :D

You know for me; I've disliked meat my whole life and it's to do with the texture (not flavor). I guess that's why I can't do the fake stuff...I'd rather just skip it! Lucky I love some beans :D

Answer 2

To keep the flavor/texture, you'll want something "meaty", otherwise it's like you say, just vegetable-tortilla soup.

There's a few options. The commercial fake chicken is easiest to start with.

Next you might want to try Textured Vegetable Protein.

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

Finally, give making seitan a shot. After boiling or baking it, it makes a nice chicken substitute, especially if you add chicken seasoning.

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

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/...