Category Archives: vegetarian

Tofu and Broccoli in Brown Sauce

Tofu and Broccoli in Brown Sauce

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
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Everyone loves brown sauce. Okay, maybe not everyone, but I bet many of you do. This is my go to recipe for a fast meal that (usually) has enough leftovers for 2-3 people the next day. Don't like tofu? Feel free to substitute any protein source you prefer or just add more broccoli. You can even add other vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms. Really no rules for this one. Measurements of the vegetables and protein sources do not need to be exact.

Ingredients

  • 3 packages of firm tofu, sliced lengthwise into 4 long slices, then down the middle of the block, continuing to slice until you reach approximately 1/2 inch pieces
  • 10 cups of frozen broccoli florets (1/2 large bag of organic broccoli from a warehouse store)
  • 2 tbsp of any neutral flavored oil (e.g. avocado oil, but canola will do)
  • 2 small onions, chopped (comes out to about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic (if you have a garlic press, even better)
  • 2 tbsp grated ginger (peel can be included, just make sure to scrub well)
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey (rice syrup or sugar works too)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp of arrowroot (or cornstarch) mixed in 2-3 tbsp of cold water
  • 1 tbsp Siracha (optional, I leave this out and just add to my plate)
  • Prepared brown rice

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare 2 baking sheets by smearing with a small amount of neutral flavored oil or cooking spray.
  3. Spread the broccoli on 1 baking sheet and the tofu on each on the other.
  4. Bake the broccoli for 20 minutes and the tofu for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on each tray every 10 minutes to make sure the broccoli doesn’t burn and the tofu doesn’t over crisp.
  5. While the broccoli and tofu bake, heat the 2 tbsp of oil in a large, deep skillet for 2-3 minutes on medium.
  6. Add the onions and sauté until wilted and translucent. This will take about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the garlic and ginger, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the broth, soy sauce, honey and sesame oil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  9. By now the broccoli and tofu should be done. Add to the pan that the broth mixture is simmering in and toss to combine.
  10. Add the arrowroot (or cornstarch) and water combination, stir to combine and allow to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens. Caution: do not over simmer at this point.
  11. Take off the heat and serve with brown rice.

Tex-Mex Soup Bowl

Tex-Mex Soup Bowl

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: easy
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This is an easy, quick dish that can be used as a hearty soup for 2 people or a dip serving about 4 people. I usually make a vegan cheese sauce from another website (Brand New Vegan). When I make this cheese sauce, I freeze about half of it to use at a later date. Feel free to use 2 oz of shredded cheese instead.


Ingredients

  • 3 oz sliced kale (stripped from the stalk, then sliced)
  • 1 cup black beans (if using canned, make sure to rinse)
  • 4-6 oz diced tomato (any variety)
  • 3 oz chopped scallions
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 2/3 cup frozen sweet yellow corn
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth or reconstituted bouillon
  • 1 cup vegan cheese sauce of choice* (optional)

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a 2 1/2 quart pot.
  2. Heat on high, covered, until boiling, (about 5 minutes).
  3. Uncover, decrease heat to medium and continue to heat for 10-15 minutes until broth has reduced.
  4. Serve alone, with guacamole, chipotle “cream” or any other accompaniment.