That's because of the special taste of meats that is hard to find anywhere else. I think they call it Umami. It's the good flavor, and the one that is usually held in the more non-vegetarian or unhealthy foods I think they try to use Tofu to mimic the texture, and then chemicals to mimic the flavor. The mushrooms that carry it are usually harder to find, and some people really don't like mushrooms.
So you cover up the flavor of Tofu with broth, salts, seasonings, and boiled vegetables? Seems like you just use the Tofu for a texture adding substance rather than flavor. Should just pour the soup over a good biscuit instead.
Sometimes they call em "dumplings" instead of biscuits. My grandmother used to cook them in the broth sometimes. (the dumplings, that is)
Plants and animals were both put on this planet to be eaten. And yes, dumplings in beef stew is probably one of the best meals I have ever eaten.
I wouldn't recommend acting on a blanket statement such as that, a large proportion of the plant matter on this planet is toxic,
I have had a long history of experiencing pretend meat products. They are all bad. Why would someone who does not like the taste of meat want to eat something that emulates the taste of meat? Why would someone who wants nothing to do with meat and all the violence in meat want to eat these things? Who the hell buys these things? Tofu tastes great when cooked properly, which is rare, but it does not taste like meat, any meat. Sometimes I wonder, do vegetarians have a weird concept of what meat should taste like? I wonder what meat they try to replace with these TVP fantasies; chicken, pork, beef, alligator, horse? But, why, why, why, do meat substitutes exist; why try to replace something you do not want to eat? I can see the sense behind these products in the 1960's as a way to ween people off their massive meat addiction, but why are they still about when most meat eaters have matured enough to find great flavour in all food? Does the average vegetarian crave a meaty taste? Who buys these meat substitutes apart from vegies?
Toxic to humans maybe, but I think every plant is eaten by something...I'm not 100% on that though and I do agree that making blanket statements is a bad idea.
Temporary vegans buy meat substitutes.I think there's a religion (I think is Buddist) that have certain days as No meat days(You're not suppose to eat meat).I guess during those times some of them that dislike veggies eat meat substitutes.
In the hindu religion they do not eat beef at all and theres a time period of 40 days which they eat only veggies my friend told me..... its so sad but healthy