Tofu you say?

While tofu is not my favorite vegan protein (I usually prefer beans or my selection of revered nut butters), the white chunky stuff below does occassionally make an appearance in my cooking. I have been known to enjoy a tofu scramble or slow-cooked barbeque tofu sandwich every now and then ; )


Despite my creative tofu preparation, I have not quite been able to convince the non-vegans in my life that tofu truly does have potential... until now. This week I prepared two tofu based dishes that were a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike (mostly me and Patrick- I don't get out much).


Spicy Chinese Tofu Stir Fry with Noodles:

1 block firm tofu (drained, pressed and cubed)
1/2 package soba noodles
2 cups green beans (washed and chopped in half)
1/4 cup organic soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
Cornstarch
Olive oil

1. Coat uncooked tofu blocks in cornstarch.

2. Saute in 1 tablespoon olive oil until pieces begin to brown. Remove from oil (about 5 minutes on each side).

3. While tofu is cooking, prepare soba noodles according to package directions.

3. Saute beans in remaining oil with crushed garlic until bright green and still slightly crispy. Add water as necessary.

4. While beans are cooking, prepare sauce by mixing water, soy sauce, tomato paste, agave, vinegar, red pepper and 2 teaspoons cornstarch.

5. When beans are done, pour the sauce over the beans and add tofu to the mixture. Serve over soba noodles.

Just in case you thought this tofu success was a one time deal, meet dish #2. This one required significantly less preparation but was certainly a hit with Patrick.

Tofu sausage on Rudi's Organic Wheat Buns

Topped with sauteed green peppers, jerusalem artichokes and cheese (dairy or vegan) of choice

*Quick note: I realize I have been posting a little less frequently now that I am in the midst of the busy school year. I am ok with this considering my main reason for starting this blog was to help maintain BALANCE. Obsessing over making sure I post hardly felt aligned with this goal. However, I have committed to posting at least 3 times per week. I think this will help me to keep healthy living at the front of my mind without making me pull my hair out because I forgot to snap a pic of my PB & J...

Don't forget about me. I'll still be here eating Veggies & Beanz : )