Tofu and Pine Nut Mayonnaise - Version 1

This mayonnaise came about as a reader request. The goal was a no oil tofu mayonnaise that tasted like the popular vegan refrigerated mayonnaise we all love. Was I worried, darn straight I was! Even tought I had cracked the code on the full fat version I wasn’t too certain how easy a no oil version would be to make. My fears were well founded. I first tried an all tofu version last week that was a total no go. No matter what I tried it just wasn’t right, it always had an overpowering tofu flavor.

Last night I decided to try adding pine nuts for fat since they have such a mild flavor. That helped quite a bit. This mayonnaise still has a bit of tofu taste in the background. But it isn’t much at all. Especially considering it is less than 30 calories per tablespoon. I wanted to post this recipe now in case any of you devotees of Dr’s. McDougall, Fuhrman or Esselstyn are missing mayonnaise and wanted to give it a try. I will post the final version when I have finished tweaking the flavorings. That may take me a while since we don’t eat much mayo here. For now, here is the pretty darn good version of no oil mayonnaise with an update to come.

Tofu and Pine Nut Mayonnaise - Version 1
Makes approximately 23 tablespoons

Ingredients:

½ cup pine nuts, soaked at least 4 hours and drained well
7 ounces extra firm water packed tofu, drained well (1/2 block)
¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon agave
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
Water, as necessary to blend not much maybe a tablespoon
salt and white pepper, to tase

Directions:

Combine everything in your food processor or blender and process until smooth. You may need to add a little water to get everything smooth. I added about a tablespoon.  Add salt and white pepper to taste.  The flavor improves and blends as it sits in the refrigerator.

Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Should keep for a week.

Nutritional Information:

Amount Per Serving
Calories - 27.85
Calories From Fat (76%) - 21.04

Total Fat - 2.51g
Saturated Fat - 0.19g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Sodium - 0.83mg
Potassium - 29.77mg
Total Carbohydrates - 0.61g
Fiber - 0.15g
Sugar - 0.16g
Protein - 1.26g

Comments:

The texture is similar but not exactly like mayo. However without all the oil you wouldn’t expect it to be as smooth. The flavor is close, but needs a little tweaking. I can taste a subtle tofu background. When it is combined with other foods, since mayo doesn’t get eaten alone, the flavor is fine.

Since I like flavored mayo I will be adding something to ours, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, wasabi, tapenade, sriracha or dijon. These are additions I have used in regular mayonnaise so I know they will work well here.

Unrelated note:

Can you believe this is my 800th post? I was shocked when I realized this. When I started the blog I had no idea how I would think of anything to write. Apparently that isn't a problem any more.  Thank you all for reading, for your comments and emails with well wishes and questions. They mean more to me than you know. :-)

I hope you having a fabulous nearly spring day where you are.  I am going to head outside to enjoy more sunshine.  Talk to you all later.