Tofu

I know I've posted quite a few Tofu recipes here, but as versatile as tofu is, I hope no one minds. Today's offerings include Grilled Jerk Tofu and Plantains With Mango Salsa and Chocolate Tofu Ice Cream (because, well, chocolate and dessert!). .Enjoy!

GRILLED TOFU

This is from Kay Chun at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Pouring hot marinade over tofu slices encourages faster absorption of flavors, eliminating the need to marinate overnight. In a pinch, this method yields tasty results in three hours, but the recommended six hours deliver a much more complex, richer flavored tofu. Grilled, it makes a versatile side dish and is delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair it with steamed rice and a simple green salad, or turn the tofu into satisfying vegetarian sandwiches by tucking it into pita bread with lettuce and avocado."

Total Time: 20 minutes, plus 6 hours' marinating; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022297-grilled-tofu. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, sliced crosswise into eight equal slices (about 1/2-inch thick)

2 tablespoons safflower or canola oil, plus more for greasing grates

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Preparation

Arrange sliced tofu in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Press top with more paper towels to remove excess water. Arrange tofu in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, or any shallow dish that can hold the tofu in one layer.

In a small saucepan, combine oil, garlic and ginger over medium; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, sugar, pepper and 1/4 cup water, and cook, stirring to dissolve the sugar, about 2 minutes.

Pour hot marinade over tofu. Gently turn tofu slices to evenly coat, then cover dish tightly with plastic wrap to seal in heat. Refrigerate for 6 hours (or up to 8 hours), flipping tofu slices halfway through.

Heat grill to medium and grease grates well (or heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium and lightly grease). Grill tofu over direct heat until golden and caramelized, about 3 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a small saucepan over medium and warm through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in scallions.

Transfer tofu to a serving plate and spoon over the sauce. Serve warm.

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.

Ingredients

14 ounces extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil

1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced

2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste

3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 cup snow peas

Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish

Brown or white rice, for serving

Preparation

Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.

Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.

CHOCOLATE TOFU ICE CREAM

This recipe is from the August 2000 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts off, “You’d never guess that this rich, dence fudgy ice cream contains considerably less fat that the classic version.” Makes 5 cups.

1 lb. soft tofu, drained

1 cup sugar

1 cup plain soy milk

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbs. vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

In blender, puree all ingredients in 2 equal batches until very smooth.

Pour mixture into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve right away or transfer to airtight container and freeze up to 3 days.

VEGETABLE PANCIT [VEGAN]

This is from Meatless Monday in a OneGreenPlanet enewsletter. It begins, "Pancit is a traditional Filipino dish made with rice noodles. While pancit dishes often feature meat, this vegetable version is a light and healthy take that’s a perfect fit for healthy eating resolutions."

This is Dairy Free and Serves 8

To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/recipe/vegetable-pancit-vegan/. The recipe also ends with, "This recipe comes to us from Christin, the Veggie Chick."

Ingredients

8 ounces rice noodles

3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided

1 package (15 ounce) extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1 inch pieces and pressed with paper towel to remove all moisture

1 white onion, peeled and diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 large carrots, grated (about 1 cup)

3-4 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 head)

2 cups baby broccoli florets

2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce

1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger)

1 veggie bouillon cube

3/4 cup vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt

Directions

Place the rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with warm water and let sit. When the noodles are soft, after about 20 minutes, drain and set noodles aside.

Heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté until browned, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tofu from the wok. Reduce heat to medium.

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the wok. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add the carrots, cabbage and broccoli. Stir fry until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

Add the tamari, ginger, veggie bouillon cube, vegetable broth and sea salt. Stir until the bouillon cube is dissolved. Add the cooked tofu, rice noodles and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Serves 8. Best served immediately. Stays fresh in the fridge for 1 day.

HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI

This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.

Ingredients

2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)

5 cups marinara sauce

16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.

Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.

Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.

Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

Tofu

For the longest time, Tofu was a hard-sell. It's bland; the texture; what do you do with it?

First off, the blandness: That helps it to blend in with the tastes around it. Then, the texture: crumbled in many dishes, or, as with silken tofu, blended, it fades into the recipe. And the what do you do with it, you can use it in many recipes.

To that end, here are six tofu recipes, including Herbed Tofu Lasagna with Zucchini and Tofu Mousse. Enjoy!

KUNG PAO TOFU

This yumminess is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "Fiery from dried chiles, tingling with Sichuan peppercorns and studded with peanuts, this kung pao tofu recipe is a vegetarian take on kung pao chicken, the classic Chinese American restaurant staple. Though variations on this dish abound, this version swaps in tofu for chicken, treating the tofu similarly. Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, leaving more room for flavor to penetrate and giving it a denser, chewy texture. The cornstarch coating helps the tofu brown, makes it crisp and acts as a sponge for the savory, spicy, tingly sauce."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 3 to 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025397-kung-pao-tofu.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons rice wine or sake

1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper or 1/4 teaspoon finely ground white pepper

3 garlic cloves, finely grated

1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

2 teaspoons cornstarch (for the sauce) plus 1/4 cup (for the tofu)

Salt

Grapeseed or other neutral oil, as needed

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch squares

2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch slices

4 scallions, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

4 whole Tianjin chiles or chiles de árbol, crushed

1/3 cup roasted peanuts

1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems

White rice, for serving

Preparation

Drain the tofu, wrap in a clean kitchen towel, set on a plate and put a cast-iron skillet or other weighty object on top. Let it press for at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.

While the tofu is pressed, prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, rice wine, vinegar, sesame oil, white pepper, garlic, ginger, 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 1/3 cup water until combined.

After the tofu has been pressed, unwrap it and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Transfer tofu to a medium bowl, season with salt and coat in 1/4 cup cornstarch; set aside.

In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When it starts shimmering, add the tofu. Cook until one side is golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes, then flip. Cook until the other side is crisp and golden brown, another 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.

Add the red bell pepper, celery and scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the red bell pepper starts to soften while maintaining some bite and the vegetables char, about 4 minutes. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and chiles and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tofu and sauce, and stir to coat; make sure the sauce simmers and thickens, about 2 minutes. Finish with the peanuts and cilantro, stir again, then serve immediately with rice.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE



I saw something similar to this a few years back and tweaked it a little. For anyone who is sure that he or she won't like tofu, this may be the game-changer.



Ingredients

1 10-12 ounce tub of silken tofu

12 ounce bag of chocolate chips

2 - 3 tablespoons milk (you can use soy milk, if you prefer)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

Melt chocolate chips along with the milk over low to medium heat, stirring constantly.

Place silken tofu, melted chocolate chips, vanilla, and syrup into blender. Blend on a medium setting, pulsing if needed to combine.

Pour into 4 bowls or small cups, and let cool for 10 minutes or so.

Dig in! Yum!

CRISPY TOFU WITH SWEET-AND-SOUR SAUCE

This is from Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Eric wrote, "Inspired by McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets dipped in sweet-and-sour sauce — a classic combination that debuted nationwide in 1983 — this tofu appetizer gets its inexorable crunch from potato starch. Pan-fried until shatteringly crisp, pressed tofu, cut into cute little rectangles, eats a lot like Chicken McNuggets and cooks up gorgeously every time. But the true joy of a nugget lies in the dipping, and this recipe stars a totally chill, no-cook sweet-and-sour sauce. Apricot preserves provide fruity sweetness as well as body, and rice vinegar, soy sauce and onion powder add savoriness."

Yield: 4 appetizer servings; Time: 45 minutes

This was featured in "For Those of Us Who Love McDonald’s Sweet-and-Sour Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022410-crispy-tofu-with-sweet-and-sour-sauce.

Note: The article ("For those of us…") is an interesting read (as are most of the food articles in the Times). But be forewarned: If you start reading the article and have any BTS fans around, they might be snagged in by the references to BTS. And if you've never heard of BTS, here's a link to check out. Also, you can check out the BTS meal referenced in the Times' article.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, drained

3 medium zucchini (about 1 pound)

3 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 cup apricot preserves

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1/2 cup potato starch

Neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, or light olive oil

Preparation

Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in a clean tea towel, and place on a cutting board. Weigh down the tofu with a sheet pan topped with something heavy, such as a large skillet, cans or books, until the tea towel is soaked, about 30 minutes.

While the tofu is pressed, prep the zucchini: Halve the zucchini crosswise, then cut each piece lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick planks. Finally, cut each plank lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick “fries.” Place the zucchini fries in a large colander set over a medium bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt, and toss until evenly coated. Set aside to drain.

Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a measuring cup, stir together the apricot preserves, rice vinegar, soy sauce, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder and 2 teaspoons water until smooth. Transfer to a small dish for dipping, and set aside.

Slice the pressed tofu in half horizontally, and cut each of those halves into 8 rectangular pieces, creating 16 nuggets total. Directly on the cutting board, season the tofu with 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, smearing each piece around to catch all the seasonings.

In a large bowl, toss to combine the potato starch and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Place the tofu in the starch, and gently toss with your hands until each piece is evenly coated.

Fry the tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and add a thin layer of oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the tofu in a single layer, and cook, flipping a couple of times, until lightly golden on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer the cooked tofu to a towel-lined plate to drain, and season it with salt to taste.

To serve, transfer the tofu and zucchini to a large platter, and serve alongside the dipping sauce.

CHOCOLATE TOFU CHILI

This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Packed with vegetables, the chili gets its deep flavor from the addition of chocolate, without tasting overtly like chocolate. For a little extra heat, you can mix in 1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeños before you turn on the slow cooker. Jalapeños can vary quite a bit in their level of heat. Take a small taste before adding them, and remember the membranes and seeds are the hottest part of the chile. Thinly sliced radishes or matchstick pieces of jicama make a pretty garnish."

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups; Difficulty: Easy; 3 points per serving

To view this online, go to https://cmx.weightwatchers.com/details/WWRECIPE:6037caaade317318b8e4bb84.

Ingredients

4 sprays cooking spray

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 pound extra firm tofu, cut into 2-inch cubes

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

15 oz canned kidney beans, drained

1 large uncooked onion, chopped

2 medium uncooked carrots, chopped

2 ribs medium uncooked celery, chopped

2 medium uncooked red bell peppers, chopped

1 cup fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth

2 oz 70-85% dark chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cloves garlic clove, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Chili powder

1 Tbsp Kosher salt

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cumin seeds and stir until slightly darker in color and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer cumin seeds to slow cooker. Remove skillet from heat, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium. Add tofu to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer tofu to slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, beans, onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broth, chocolate, cocoa powder, garlic, chili powder, salt, and crushed red pepper.

Cover and cook chili for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low. Divide chili among bowls.

HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI

This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.

Ingredients

2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)

5 cups marinara sauce

16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.

Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.

Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.

Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

Tofu

I'm back, after two weeks off. Here we go...

For years, Tofu seemed to get a bad rap: It's bland; the texture; what do I do with it?

No problem. Its blandness lets it take on the flavors of whatever it's added to. With many recipes, it's crumbled or blended so that the texture becomes almost a non-issue.

What to do with it? Here are six recipes to get you started, including Grilled Jerk Tofu and Plantains with Mango Salsa and Chocolate Tofu Ice Cream. Do I have your attention now? Enjoy!

SHEET-PAN COCONUT CURRY WITH SQUASH AND TOFU

This is from Hetty Lui McKinnon in The New York Times emailing list. For this yumminess, Hetty wrote, "In this warming sheet-pan dinner, winter squash receives the royal treatment, as it roasts in a (shallow!) coconut curry. Choosing a thin-skinned winter squash such as red kuri, kabocha, delicata or butternut means that no peeling is necessary. (In fact, the skin helps the squash keep its structure while cooking.) The whole curry is cooked on one sheet pan: The squash is roasted first, then the tofu, greens and coconut milk are added for an easy, hands-off approach. All curry pastes will vary in saltiness and heat, so add according to your taste preference. If you wanted a bigger flavor punch, you could add some grated ginger and garlic to the coconut milk. The leafy greens will crisp up around the edges, bringing a lovely textural contrast."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

This was featured in Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Make a Sheet-Pan Dinner," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026267-sheet-pan-coconut-curry-with-squash-and-tofu.

Ingredients

2 pounds thin-skinned winter squash, such as red kuri, kabocha, delicata or butternut, seeds removed and squash cut into 1-inch wedges

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or other neutral oil

Salt and pepper

1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk, well shaken

2 to 3 tablespoons store-bought red or green Thai curry paste

4 ounces leafy greens, such as chard or kale leaves, stemmed and roughly chopped (4 cups, from about 1/2 bunch)

1 (14- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

Cooked rice, for serving

Chopped cilantro, for serving

Red or green chile (optional), thinly sliced, for serving

1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Preparation

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the squash onto a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle over the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and then lay the squash wedges flat on one cut side. Place into the oven and roast for 20 minutes.

While the squash roasts, in a large jug or medium bowl, add the coconut milk and curry paste (use according to your spice level preference) and season generously with salt and pepper.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and tuck the leafy greens and tofu around the squash. Pour the spiced coconut milk over everything. Return to the oven and cook until the squash is completely tender and the greens are wilted, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Spoon the squash, tofu, greens and sauce over rice and top with cilantro and sliced chile (if using); serve with a lime wedge on the side.

TOMATO AND GINGER BRAISED TOFU

This is from Hetty McKinnon in The New York Times emailing list. For this yumminess, Hetty wrote, "Tomatoes and tofu may not be an obvious pairing, but they belong together in this speedy braise. A brave amount of ginger provides a robust flavor foundation for this sauce, imparting verve. (If you’d like to increase the heat, you could add some crushed red pepper, too.) Halving the cherry tomatoes helps them break down faster, transforming them into a rich sweet, savory and tangy sauce in minutes. This recipe works any time of year: If fresh cherry tomatoes are unavailable, 28 ounces of canned cherry tomatoes will also work. Pan-frying the tofu first makes the slices sturdier and locks in moisture, creating the perfect texture to carry and soak up the braising sauce."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025855-tomato-and-ginger-braised-tofu.

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 (2- to 3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper

2 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks extra-firm tofu, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces

2 tablespoons soy sauce

4 teaspoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Cooked rice, for serving

Preparation

Heat a wide pot or deep skillet on medium-high. When hot, add a generous drizzle of olive oil, along with the garlic and ginger. Toss for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and 1/2 cup water. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with lid (or use a sheet pan), adjust heat to medium-low and cook until the tomatoes have broken down and look jammy, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a large 12-inch skillet on medium-high for 2 minutes, until very hot. Drizzle with olive oil and, working in batches, add as many tofu slices as can comfortably fit in the pan. Season the tofu generously with salt and pepper and drizzle the top of the tofu with a little more oil. Cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining tofu.

To the tomatoes, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar and sugar, stirring to break up the tomatoes. Taste the sauce — it should be tangy and savory — and if needed, season with more salt and pepper, or sugar if it’s too tart.

Add the tofu slices to the tomatoes, carefully turning them in the sauce to coat. Cook on medium heat until the tofu is heated through, about 2 minutes.

Top with scallions and serve with rice.

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

CHOCOLATE TOFU CHILI

This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Packed with vegetables, the chili gets its deep flavor from the addition of chocolate, without tasting overtly like chocolate. For a little extra heat, you can mix in 1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeños before you turn on the slow cooker. Jalapeños can vary quite a bit in their level of heat. Take a small taste before adding them, and remember the membranes and seeds are the hottest part of the chile. Thinly sliced radishes or matchstick pieces of jicama make a pretty garnish."

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups; Difficulty: Easy; 3 points per serving

To view this online, go to https://cmx.weightwatchers.com/details/WWRECIPE:6037caaade317318b8e4bb84.

Ingredients

4 sprays cooking spray

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 pound extra firm tofu, cut into 2-inch cubes

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

15 oz canned kidney beans, drained

1 large uncooked onion, chopped

2 medium uncooked carrots, chopped

2 ribs medium uncooked celery, chopped

2 medium uncooked red bell peppers, chopped

1 cup fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth

2 oz 70-85% dark chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cloves garlic clove, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Chili powder

1 Tbsp Kosher salt

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cumin seeds and stir until slightly darker in color and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer cumin seeds to slow cooker. Remove skillet from heat, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium. Add tofu to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer tofu to slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, beans, onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broth, chocolate, cocoa powder, garlic, chili powder, salt, and crushed red pepper.

Cover and cook chili for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low. Divide chili among bowls.

CHOCOLATE TOFU ICE CREAM

I had to include this recipe because, well, ice cream! The recipe is from the August 2000 issue of Vegetarian Times, and starts off, “You’d never guess that this rich, dence fudgy ice cream contains considerably less fat that the classic version.” Makes 5 cups.

Ingredients

1 lb. soft tofu, drained

1 cup sugar

1 cup plain soy milk

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbs. vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions

In blender, puree all ingredients in 2 equal batches until very smooth.

Pour mixture into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve right away or transfer to airtight container and freeze up to 3 days.

SPICY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

This is from Taste For Life. Prep Time: 25 minutes; Makes 4 servings. Recipe Source: Complete Book of Thai Cooking, by Linda Stephen

To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/veggie/spicy-tofu-with-vegetables.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided

12 oz firm tofu, patted dry, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

3 shallots, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 carrot, cut in matchstick pieces

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in thin strips

1 C sliced asparagus or green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp lime juice

2 1/2 tsp fresh red chilies, chopped

2 tsp granulated sugar

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Add tofu and stir-fry for 4 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.

Add remaining oil to wok. Add shallots and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute.

Add carrot, red pepper, and asparagus or green beans. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.

Add soy sauce, lime juice, chilies, sugar, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Return tofu to wok. Cook for 1 minute, or until combined and heated through.

Tofu

It's Monday, time to get the week started. For that, here are six tofu recipes to jump-start the week, including Herbed Tofu Lasagna with Zucchini and Chocolate Tofu Chili. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE



I saw something similar to this a few years back and tweaked it a little. For anyone who is sure that he or she won't like tofu, this may be the game-changer.



Ingredients

1 10-12 ounce tub of silken tofu

12 ounce bag of chocolate chips

2 - 3 tablespoons milk (you can use soy milk, if you prefer)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

Melt chocolate chips along with the milk over low to medium heat, stirring constantly.

Place silken tofu, melted chocolate chips, vanilla, and syrup into blender. Blend on a medium setting, pulsing if needed to combine.

Pour into 4 bowls or small cups, and let cool for 10 minutes or so.

Dig in! Yum!

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.

Ingredients

14 ounces extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil

1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced

2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste

3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 cup snow peas

Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish

Brown or white rice, for serving

Preparation

Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.

Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.

CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS

This is from Yewande Komolafe on The New York Times cooking newsletter. Yewande wrote, "A ginger and coconut milk reduction can coat pretty much anything that browns nicely on its own. Here, it’s pieces of pan-seared tofu, but small morsels of chicken and pork will work just as well. The soy and the teaspoons of molasses give the sauce a little caramelization, and a little shine and gloss. For a fresh side, add some blistered snap peas, tossed with sliced scallions, a little mint and a splash of rice vinegar. Snow peas, green beans, broccoli or asparagus? If it’s fresh and green, it’ll work just fine."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in "This One-Pan Meal Shows Just How Joyful Tofu Can Be", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021200-crispy-tofu-with-cashews-and-blistered-snap-peas.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained

3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable or canola, plus more as needed

Kosher salt and black pepper

3/4 pound snap peas, trimmed

1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 (13-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (light or full-fat)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons molasses, dark brown sugar or honey

1/2 cup toasted cashews

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/4 cup mint leaves, torn if large

1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)

Rice or any steamed grain, for serving

Preparation

Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.

In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.

Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.

CHOCOLATE TOFU CHILI

This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Packed with vegetables, the chili gets its deep flavor from the addition of chocolate, without tasting overtly like chocolate. For a little extra heat, you can mix in 1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeños before you turn on the slow cooker. Jalapeños can vary quite a bit in their level of heat. Take a small taste before adding them, and remember the membranes and seeds are the hottest part of the chile. Thinly sliced radishes or matchstick pieces of jicama make a pretty garnish."

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups; Difficulty: Easy; 3 points per serving

To view this online, go to https://cmx.weightwatchers.com/details/WWRECIPE:6037caaade317318b8e4bb84.

Ingredients

4 sprays cooking spray

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 pound extra firm tofu, cut into 2-inch cubes

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

15 oz canned kidney beans, drained

1 large uncooked onion, chopped

2 medium uncooked carrots, chopped

2 ribs medium uncooked celery, chopped

2 medium uncooked red bell peppers, chopped

1 cup fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth

2 oz 70-85% dark chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cloves garlic clove, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Chili powder

1 Tbsp Kosher salt

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cumin seeds and stir until slightly darker in color and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer cumin seeds to slow cooker. Remove skillet from heat, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium. Add tofu to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer tofu to slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, beans, onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broth, chocolate, cocoa powder, garlic, chili powder, salt, and crushed red pepper.

Cover and cook chili for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low. Divide chili among bowls.

HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI

This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.

Ingredients

2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)

5 cups marinara sauce

16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.

Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.

Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.

Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

Tofu - Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with tofu, and includes Smoked Tofu Farfalle Casserole and Grilled Jerk Tofu and Plantains With Mango Salsa. Enjoy!

TOFU AND MUSHROOM JORIM (SOY-BRAISED TOFU)

This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Korean jorim is a traditional braised dish typically made with beef that is stewed in a savory garlic- and ginger-spiked soy sauce until tender. This version highlights tofu’s ability to absorb the aromatic salty-sweet sauce like a sponge; earthy shiitake mushrooms add depth and a meaty texture that contrasts the tofu’s softness. The dish is as delicious cold as it is hot, so it’s a great make-ahead meal; simply cool and chill overnight in an airtight container."

Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023476-tofu-and-mushroom-jorim-soy-braised-tofu.

Ingredients

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more thinly sliced scallions for garnish

2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as safflower or canola

2 tablespoons turbinado or light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 (14- to 16-ounce) block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

6 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces

Salt

Steamed rice and kimchi (optional), for serving

Preparation

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, scallions, oil, sugar, pepper and 1/4 cup water; mix well. Add tofu and mushrooms, season with salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, carefully turning tofu and stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens into a glaze and coats the mixture, about 15 minutes.

Transfer the jorim to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve with rice and kimchi, if using.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE



I saw something similar to this a few years back and tweaked it a little. For anyone who is sure that he or she won't like tofu, this may be the game-changer.



Ingredients

1 10-12 ounce tub of silken tofu

12 ounce bag of chocolate chips

2 - 3 tablespoons milk (you can use soy milk, if you prefer)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

Melt chocolate chips along with the milk over low to medium heat, stirring constantly.

Place silken tofu, melted chocolate chips, vanilla, and syrup into blender. Blend on a medium setting, pulsing if needed to combine.

Pour into 4 bowls or small cups, and let cool for 10 minutes or so.

Dig in! Yum!

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.

Ingredients

14 ounces extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil

1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced

2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste

3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 cup snow peas

Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish

Brown or white rice, for serving

Preparation

Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.

Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.

EASY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS

This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Jolinda wrote, “Fool your kids with a meat-free tofu chicken nugget dinner, reminiscent of the favorite finger food they love to dip in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

“In this recipe, extra-firm tofu is coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Then, just like chicken, it's baked or fried to a crispy, addicting perfection.

“If you're squeamish about cooking with tofu, try this nugget recipe before you shun it, as the flavors mimic the taste of real chicken. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully, taking care to press the tofu before cooking for better consistency and taste. Then, decide on a cooking medium—for all-out flavor, go fried or for a low-fat preparation, go baked. Whatever way you choose, tofu (not) chicken nuggets make a perfect snack or dinner for picky kids and vegan eaters alike.

“Like most tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to expel additional moisture so that it can absorb the seasonings for better flavor. It also helps the tofu retain its shape during the cooking process.”

Total: 70 mins; Prep: 45 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 block tofu (firm or extra-firm, well pressed)

1/3 cup soy milk (or another non-dairy milk substitute)

2 tablespoons mustard

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons high-heat vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

Directions

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these vegan nuggets are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.

Press the Tofu

Gather the ingredients.

Remove the tofu from its package.

Pat the block of tofu dry and place it in between two layers of paper towels.

Place a small cutting board (or flat-surfaced item) and a weight— like a pot or a brick—on top of the tofu.

Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels when they become saturated.

Prep the Tofu

Once your tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes or nuggets (about the size of a frozen chicken nugget).

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, mustard, nutritional yeast, and spices until smooth.

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

Pan-Fry the Tofu

Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.

Take one piece of tofu and dip it in the liquid mixture. Then carefully dip it in the breadcrumbs until well coated.

Add it to the pan and repeat the process.

Fry the pieces of tofu, turning them often, until golden brown on all sides.

Serve and enjoy!

Bake the Tofu

For a low-fat alternative cooking method, bake your tofu nuggets on a prepared baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 350 F and then bake the tofu for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

Serve your vegetarian tofu nuggets with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha hot sauce and enjoy.

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

SMOKED TOFU FARFALLE CASSEROLE

This was on the Vegetarian Times web site, and begins, "Here's a new twist on old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole." Serves 6

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/smoked-tofu-farfalle-casserole/.

Ingredients

4 tsp. olive oil

1 small yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 1/2 cups frozen baby peas

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)

2 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme

8 oz. farfalle pasta (bows)

1 3/4 cups low-fat milk

3 Tbs. all-purpose flour

3 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup)

6 oz. smoked tofu, diced

3 Tbs. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425F. Heat 1 tsp. oil in 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper, and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes. Stir in frozen peas, garlic and thyme, and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes more. Transfer to bowl and set aside.

Wipe out Dutch oven; fill with water, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, and cook about 4 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and transfer to clean bowl. Drizzle with 2 tsp. olive oil, and toss to coat. Return Dutch oven to stove.

Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in Dutch oven over medium heat until almost simmering. Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup milk with flour in small bowl, then whisk into hot milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 2 minutes, or until sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, bell pepper mixture and tofu, and stir to combine.

Mix breadcrumbs with remaining 1 tsp. oil in small bowl; sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered, 20 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.

Tofu

If you've followed this blog for a while, you probably realize that tofu is a lot more versatile than many people give it credit for. Check out today's tofu recipes, including Grilled Jerk Tofu and Plantains With Mango Salsa and Chocolate Tofu Chili. Enjoy!

PAN-FRIED TOFU WITH RED CURRY PASTE

This is from Raghavan Iyer, and adapted by Kim Severson in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kim wrote, "Raghavan Iyer says Thailand is the only country outside of India that worships curries with as much devotion. In the way Indian cooks use a blend of herbs and spices, Thai cooks use an array of curry pastes to create regional curries. He created three for his 2023 book “On the Curry Trail: Chasing the Flavor That Seduced The World” (Workman Publishing). His red curry paste is a version of the most common curry. When frying the tofu, add a little more oil if the pan seems dry and be aware that when the chile paste is added to the pan, the capsaicin can produce a head-clearing whiff of heat."

Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

This was featured in "He Taught Americans to Cook Indian Food. Now He’s on His Final Chapter." It can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023907-pan-fried-tofu-with-red-curry-paste.

Ingredients

1 pound extra-firm tofu

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade Red Curry Paste

4 small baby green eggplants (each roughly the size of a golf ball), stemmed and quartered (see Tip)

1 medium red or white potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, halved, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots (drained if using canned)

1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Thai or sweet basil (see Tip)

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (from about 1 cup uncooked rice)

Preparation

To press the tofu, drain it and place it on a cutting board or plate between paper towels. Press down firmly with your hand to get rid of the excess moisture. Pat the tofu dry then cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil appears to shimmer, add the tofu cubes and stir-fry them until they turn light brown along the sides. Transfer them onto a plate.

To the same oil, carefully add the curry paste. Stir-fry the potent melange, as the chiles elevate their heat and send you into a throat-clearing moment, 1 to 2 minutes. Yes, adequate venting or opening a window is advised.

Add the eggplant, potato, bell pepper and bamboo shoots to the curry paste. Shake the coconut milk well, pour it over the vegetables and scrape the bottom of the pot, deglazing it.

Add the tofu and fish sauce and bring the curry to a boil. Cover the pan, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and eggplant are fork-tender, 10 to 12 minutes. During the last few minutes of cooking, remove the lid and continue to simmer, uncovered, to allow the sauce to thicken a bit.

Serve sprinkled with the basil alongside a bowl of jasmine rice.

Tips

Baby green eggplants can be found in Southeast Asian supermarkets or farmers’ markets. If you cannot find them, you can use about 6 ounces of any variety, cut into bite-size pieces.

Thai basil, which is peppery with an anise-like flavor, adds an extra layer of refinement to this curry, but sweet basil can be used instead.

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.

For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.

"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."

Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.

Ingredients

Tofu

2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained

2 small red onions, coarsely chopped

10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

12 garlic cloves

4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder

12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

2 1" pieces ginger, peeled

16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)

1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil

Salsa

Juice of 1 lime

1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed

2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango

2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)

1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more

Plantains and assembly

1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill

2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise

Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Tofu

Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)

Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.

Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

Salsa

Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.

Plantains and assembly

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.

Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.

Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.

CHOCOLATE TOFU CHILI

This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Packed with vegetables, the chili gets its deep flavor from the addition of chocolate, without tasting overtly like chocolate. For a little extra heat, you can mix in 1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeños before you turn on the slow cooker. Jalapeños can vary quite a bit in their level of heat. Take a small taste before adding them, and remember the membranes and seeds are the hottest part of the chile. Thinly sliced radishes or matchstick pieces of jicama make a pretty garnish."

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups; Difficulty: Easy; 3 points per serving

To view this online, go to https://cmx.weightwatchers.com/details/WWRECIPE:6037caaade317318b8e4bb84.

Ingredients

4 sprays cooking spray

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 pound extra firm tofu, cut into 2-inch cubes

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

15 oz canned kidney beans, drained

1 large uncooked onion, chopped

2 medium uncooked carrots, chopped

2 ribs medium uncooked celery, chopped

2 medium uncooked red bell peppers, chopped

1 cup fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth

2 oz 70-85% dark chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cloves garlic clove, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Chili powder

1 Tbsp Kosher salt

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cumin seeds and stir until slightly darker in color and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer cumin seeds to slow cooker. Remove skillet from heat, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium. Add tofu to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer tofu to slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, beans, onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broth, chocolate, cocoa powder, garlic, chili powder, salt, and crushed red pepper.

Cover and cook chili for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low. Divide chili among bowls.

SWEET AND SOUR TOFU WITH BARBERRIES

This is from Yotam Ottolenghi in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Yotam wrote, "Silky and comforting, this dish draws inspiration from a Persian barberry khoresh (stew). In this adaptation, traditional chicken gives way to tofu, creating a vegan dish while preserving the inherent sweet-sour balance emblematic of Persian cuisine. Caramelized onions, carrots and oranges add sweetness, while the distinctive tartness is achieved through the addition of barberries, small red berries prized equally for their high acidity and their jewel-like appearance. They deepen to a rich red when cooked. Barberries can be hard to find — you could check your favorite specialty shop, or order them online — or simply substitute cranberries plus the addition of an extra teaspoon of vinegar. Sweet, sour and saucy, this tofu dish is best enjoyed with a side of rice."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings

This was featured in "A Sweet-and-Sour Tofu That Balances It All", and can be viewd online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024981-sweet-and-sour-tofu-with-barberries.

Take a few minutes to read the accompaning article ("A Sweet-and-Sour Tofu That Balances It All"). I found it to be an interesting read. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. There are so many wonderful recipes, great guides that even expert cooks can learn from, and more.

Ingredients

2 (15-ounce) packages firm tofu, drained, halved horizontally then each piece cut into 6 cubes (24 cubes total)

Fine sea salt and black pepper

Heaping 1/3 cup dried barberries (or dried cranberries; see Tip)

1/4 teaspoon saffron strands

2 small yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks

1 orange; 4 strips zest removed with a peeler then thinly sliced, plus 1/4 cup juice

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

2/3 cup cornstarch

2 teaspoons granulated sugar or brown sugar

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Pat the tofu dry with a clean kitchen towel, then transfer the tofu to a medium bowl and season with 2 teaspoons salt, gently mixing as you go to ensure an even coating of salt. Set aside to absorb for at least 15 minutes.

While the tofu sits, place the barberries in a small bowl and the saffron in another small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over each and set aside.

Add the onions, carrots, orange zest, 2/3 cup oil and 1 teaspoon salt to a large, high-sided skillet, and cook over high for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions have softened and started to crisp up at the edges.

Drain the barberries through a small sieve, discarding the liquid, and add them to the onion mixture along with the garlic, cumin and allspice. Stir for 30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat.

Transfer roughly 2 tablespoons of the onion mixture into a small bowl and add the pine nuts to make the topping.

Add the remaining 1/3 cup of oil to a large skillet set over high heat. Add the cornstarch to the tofu and toss until evenly coated (small clumps are fine). Once the oil is hot, transfer half of the tofu to the pan and cook for a minute on each side, just to seal, using tongs to gently turn the tofu, then repeat with the remaining tofu.

Remove from the heat and add the tofu to the high-sided skillet with the onions, along with the orange juice, saffron and saffron water, sugar, vinegar and 1-1/2 cups of water. Cook over medium-high, stirring gently for 1 minute, so that the sauce evenly coats the tofu, then leave to cook untouched until the oil starts to split out of the sauce, 3 to 5 minutes more.

Remove the pan from the heat and scatter over the pine nut topping. Sprinkle over the cilantro and serve straight from the pan.

Tip

Barberries are easy to find online, but they are not widely available in stores. If desired, you can try substituting with cranberries plus the addition of an extra teaspoon of vinegar. If using cranberries, there’s no need to soak them before adding to the tofu.

KUNG PAO TOFU [VEGAN]

This recipe is from One Green Planet. The recipe begins, "This Kung Pao Tofu doesn’t require a lot of time or many perishable ingredients - making it perfect for a “don’t feel like cooking and don’t have a lot of groceries” type meal. Also, if you don’t care for spicy foods - this recipe is for you! If you do care for spicy, add more cayenne and red chili flavors to increase the heat."

Serves 3-4.

To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/kung-pao-tofu-vegan-2/.

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

1 package organic firm or extra firm tofu

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more for more heat

4 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder

1 tablespoon high heat oil (i.e. avocado oil)

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon fresh, minced ginger root

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pinch red chili flakes, or more for more heat

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or, soy sauce/tamari)

1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

1/4 cup vegetable broth

For the Dish:

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1-1/2 cups dry brown rice (or, 3 cups cooked brown rice)

Directions

For the Tofu:

Begin by preparing the tofu. Open the tofu package, drain, and press the tofu for 10-15 minutes.

While the tofu is being pressed, if you need to make your rice, start it.

Cut and wash the broccoli (if fresh). Prepare a large pot to steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes. Here is a quick video on how to steam broccoli. Once done, set aside.

When the tofu is pressed, cut into uniform cubes. Add to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Lightly toss. Next, add 4 tablespoons cornstarch and toss together. Use a rubber scraper to fold the tofu to help prevent it from crumbling.

Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu into as even of a layer across the pan as possible. Allow the tofu to brown for about 4-5 minutes and flip tofu, aiming to brown all sides (if possible).

While the tofu is cooking, make the sauce.

For the Sauce:

In a small bowl, add the ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut aminos, hoisin sauce, onion powder, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup vegetable broth/stock (water would do fine as well). Stir until well combined.

To Assemble:

When the tofu is browned to your liking, add the sauce. Mix and gently coat the tofu with the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes. The sauce should thicken a little as it heats.

Feel free to add the cooked broccoli to the pan to add some sauce to the broccoli, or simply keep it on the side.

Serve tofu and broccoli over cooked brown rice.

Enjoy!

EASY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS

This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Jolinda wrote, “Fool your kids with a meat-free tofu chicken nugget dinner, reminiscent of the favorite finger food they love to dip in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

“In this recipe, extra-firm tofu is coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Then, just like chicken, it's baked or fried to a crispy, addicting perfection.

“If you're squeamish about cooking with tofu, try this nugget recipe before you shun it, as the flavors mimic the taste of real chicken. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully, taking care to press the tofu before cooking for better consistency and taste. Then, decide on a cooking medium—for all-out flavor, go fried or for a low-fat preparation, go baked. Whatever way you choose, tofu (not) chicken nuggets make a perfect snack or dinner for picky kids and vegan eaters alike.

“Like most tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to expel additional moisture so that it can absorb the seasonings for better flavor. It also helps the tofu retain its shape during the cooking process.”

Total: 70 mins; Prep: 45 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 block tofu (firm or extra-firm, well pressed)

1/3 cup soy milk (or another non-dairy milk substitute)

2 tablespoons mustard

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons high-heat vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

Directions

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these vegan nuggets are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.

Press the Tofu

Gather the ingredients.

Remove the tofu from its package.

Pat the block of tofu dry and place it in between two layers of paper towels.

Place a small cutting board (or flat-surfaced item) and a weight— like a pot or a brick—on top of the tofu.

Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels when they become saturated.

Prep the Tofu

Once your tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes or nuggets (about the size of a frozen chicken nugget).

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, mustard, nutritional yeast, and spices until smooth.

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

Pan-Fry the Tofu

Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.

Take one piece of tofu and dip it in the liquid mixture. Then carefully dip it in the breadcrumbs until well coated.

Add it to the pan and repeat the process.

Fry the pieces of tofu, turning them often, until golden brown on all sides.

Serve and enjoy!

Bake the Tofu

For a low-fat alternative cooking method, bake your tofu nuggets on a prepared baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 350 F and then bake the tofu for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

Serve your vegetarian tofu nuggets with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha hot sauce and enjoy.