Tofu is made from soybeans, specifically from the soy milk derived from soaking, grinding, and boiling the beans. The process begins by soaking whole soybeans in water, then grinding them to produce soy milk. This milk is then coagulated using a coagulant, such as magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate, which separates the curds from the whey. The curds are pressed into solid blocks, resulting in tofu, which is a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets. Tofu is known for its versatility, absorbing flavors well, and is rich in protein, making it a popular meat substitute.