Week 10--Tofu

Friends and family often ask me what to do with tofu.   My response:  Anything!  It seems so simple to me, but a few years ago I would have probably asked the same thing.  I often make tofu scrambles, tofu filled enchiladas, pasta bakes with tofu, and even dips and smoothies with tofu. Tofu is pretty porous so it can absorb lots of seasonings and sauces.   It is best cooked with heavy sauces like marinara sauce, or stir fried.

I realize tofu is not a seasonal produce item but I decided to feature it this week because I was out of town for the weekend and didn't make it to the farmers market, so instead of going to the grocery store in search of a produce item I decided to model a simple, yet  tasty way to cook tofu.  Today I made Sauteed Tofu a la Mexicana :)

Here is what you will need:

Ingredients


2 packages firm tofu (choose organic if possible)
1/2 large onion chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 chipotle chile
1/2 cup tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1TB olive oil
cumin
paprika
pepper
oregano
mustard powder
salt

Directions


1. Slice tofu blocks into 1/2 inch sections
2. Place tofu slices on a cookie sheet lined with a cloth towels or several stacked paper towels.

3. Cover with other half of cloth towel or more paper towels and weigh down.  This process removes the excess liquid from the tofu and makes it less "spongy."  I used a basket full of garlic and onions but really anything "weighty" should do the trick.

4. Let towels soak liquid for approximately 20 minutes, then dice tofu slices and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil in saucepan.  Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes.
6.  Add bell pepper and cook an additional 7 minutes.
7. Add tofu and seasonings and cook for 10 minutes or until tofu begins to brown.

8.  Add garlic and cook for a minute.
9. Add tomato sauce and chipotle chili and continue to cook another 5 to 7 minutes.
10.  Add cilantro, cover pan and turn off heat.

10.  Optional:   Add kale, turnip greens, or any other vegetable in the last 5 minutes of cooking time.  I added 6 cups of chopped turnip greens.

11. Enjoy served with brown rice, black beans or both