Tag: tofu

Brined Herb Tofu

Leave a comment

Tofu, I know, isn’t everyone’s go-to, but this briny, tangy tofu makes a perfect sandwich filling. The tofu is reminiscent of feta with that salty, brininess to it, and it’s made for layering it in crusty bread (say, with roasted red peppers and red onions, grilled portabello slices, black olive tapenade, and baby spinach) for a summery sandwich full of flavor. It’s pictured here with my recipe for Yellow Mustard with Smoked Paprika.

IMG_7915

Brined Herb Tofu

1 pound (454g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/4-inch slabs
2 1/2 cups (560mL) water
1/2 cup (120mL) white balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (80mL) lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15mL) dried basil
1 tablespoon (15mL) dried oregano
2 teaspoons (10mL) fine sea or Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon (5mL) yellow miso paste

Wrap the tofu in paper towels. Top with a heavy pan for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels once, to remove all excess moisture.

Meanwhile, put the water, vinegar, lemon juice, basil, oregano, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce and let simmer 25 minutes. Stir in the miso paste.

Put the pressed tofu in a container. Pour the brine over the tofu, submerging completely. Let cool. Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours. The tofu will become more flavorful as it sits in the brine. Use within 5 days.

homemade mustard and brined tofu1

 

Advertisement

Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Tofu

Leave a comment

You can’t go wrong highlighting the flavors of fall in this easy dish. It works well as both a main course or side dish, depending on what you’re serving with it. For me, I love pairing it with some warm Maple-Kissed Cornbread from my first book and a quick kale skillet.

IMG_7695

Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Tofu

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon packed finely grated orange zest
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 medium)
1 pound (454g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 large sweet-tart baking apples, such as Mutsu, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the olive oil, rosemary, and orange zest in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Add the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, tofu, and apples. Gently toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for approximately 35 minutes, stirring twice, until the vegetables are tender and cooked through, and the tofu and vegetables are golden brown. Serve warm.

Slow-Baked Thanksgiving Tofu

7 Comments

Thyme and sage, along with celery and carrot, remind me of the makings of a good Thanksgiving stuffing. Be sure to press out as much liquid from the tofu as possible, which helps it absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. This recipe easily can be doubled and tripled.

Thanksgiving Tofu

Slow-Baked Thanksgiving Tofu

1 (175g/6.1oz) block super-firm tofu
1/2 cup (120mL) celery, diced
1/2 cup (120mL) carrots, peeled and diced
2 shallots, diced
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60mL) vegetable broth or mushroom broth
2 tablespoons (30mL) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (30mL) apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons (10mL) dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (5mL) ground sage
Sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Cut the tofu cross-wise three times to make three slabs. Wrap in paper towels and put on a cutting board. Put a heavy object (such as a plate with a few canned goods on top) on top of it to press out excess liquid. Let sit about 1/2 hour, changing paper towels when they are soaked through.

Preheat the oven to 425 F. After the tofu is pressed, cut each slab into nine cubes. Put in a small glass baking dish with celery, carrots, shallots, and garlic. Add the broth, olive oil, cider vinegar, thyme, sage, and salt and pepper. Mix well. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the mixture, and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until browned and crispy.