Don’t like tofu? This blog is for you!
I’ve heard it so many times…I don’t like tofu. To which I say…OK. I also say, give me a minute and maybe I can change your mind. Now, why would I care if you like tofu or not? Let’s just say it’s a personal challenge! I’ve turned more than one tofu hater into a fan with the recipes I’m about to share with you here. You may never like tofu in its pure form but in these recipes, it’s so carefully hidden you won’t even know it’s there. And now for your next question…so what if I don’t like tofu. I guess it’s not the end of the world, but tofu is a food that is really easy to use, incredibly adaptable, and a versatile source of protein in a plant-based diet, not to mention it also provides calcium and iron. Plus, it’s very low in fat and calories. It’s a winner all around! Is this really a food that you want to dismiss without giving it a fair chance? And by “fair chance”, I mean “try these recipes”, then we’ll talk.
"Is this really a food that you want to dismiss without giving it a fair chance?"
For Dessert
I’m not a strong believer in saving the best for last. If I’m going to make a tofu lover out of you, then I need to hit a home run with the first recipe. This chocolate mousse is so light and fluffy, it has been a favourite of my non-vegan family for years! I love when I find a recipe that is universally loved by family and friends that I can also enjoy. And, if I’m being perfectly honest here, I really love the look on everyone’s faces when I tell them that it’s made with tofu as they scrape the bottom of their dish with their spoon! Now don’t come at me with “this recipe isn’t healthy”! That’s right. It’s not. It’s dessert and it’s meant to be a treat!
Silky Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients:
1 bar (4oz) bittersweet chocolate (use the good stuff and check that there's no dairy)
¼ cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 package (12.3 oz) silken tofu
1.5 cups dairy free whipped topping like Cool Whip
Directions
1. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted (check every 30 sec)
2. Stir in all remaining ingredients except tofu and whipped topping
3. In a food processor, blend tofu until very smooth (about 1 min)
4. Scrape down sides and add chocolate mixture. Process for 1 min
5. Transfer tofu mixture to a large bowl and fold in whipped topping with a rubber spatula.
6. Spoon into individual bowls and chill
7. Lick the remaining mousse from the bowl. (You know you’re going to do it!)
For Dinner
Looking for a Bolognese sauce that is very low in fat and very high in flavour but maintains the texture you want in a meat sauce? Here is your go-to recipe to satisfy your cravings for a hearty pasta sauce. I highly recommend that you check out all the recipes on the website, It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken, they are some of my all-time favourites.
Tofu Bolognese
Ingredients:
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp liquid smoke
1 block (350g) extra firm tofu, drained or drained and pressed
3 cups of your favourite tomato-based pasta sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
3. In a large bowl, mix first 6 ingredients
4. Using your hands or a fork, crumble the tofu into the mixture in the bowl. Try to get pebble- sized pieces
5. Stir until all the tofu is covered in the mixture
6. Spread tofu onto the baking sheet and bake for 35-40 min, stirring occasionally
7. Once done try not to eat all the tofu from the pan! (It’s not that easy!!!)
8. Mix into pasta sauce and heat before topping hot pasta
What about lunch and breakfast you ask? There are plenty of recipes for lunch and breakfast out there that feature your soon-to-be-favourite tofu, but I promised that this blog would convert you to a tofu-loving plant-based eater and, to be perfectly honest, things like tofu scrambles and grilled tofu sandwiches are good, but they are not going to bring anyone over to the soy side. Once you accept your destiny as a tofu eater, I have no doubt you’ll seek out recipes to fill up breakfast and lunch, too!
Read more about tofu in my blog, Tofu...is that you?
I hope this blog has helped you find your way to plant-based eating. Remember…the goal is not to be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the journey! Sign up for vegcurious to be delivered right to your inbox at vegcurious.ca.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any particular product, diet or eating plan.