Tofu Nuggets

crispy tofu nuggets
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
resting time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Print Recipe

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

So easy yet a family-friendly dish. Serve with a toothpick for dipping, or add to stir fry.
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tofu extra firm
  • 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs read the label; Japanese panko crumbs are usually vegan

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Remove tofu from packaging and wrap with paper towels. Put it on a plate, top it with another plate, add a heavy object to press water out of the tofu. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Unwrap the tofu and cut into about 40 cubes. Put into a bowl, add the tamari, and stir to coat. Let sit for 10-20 minutes.
  • Mix breadcrumbs and seasonings. Add to the marinated tofu and stir to coat evenly.
  • Place the tofu cubes on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Notes

These delicious nuggets deserve a special dipping sauce, like this one: combine 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard, 2 tablespoons vegan mayo, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon soy sauce.

Orzo with Tomatoes, Basil, Peas and Pine Nuts

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Print Recipe

Orzo with Tomatoes, Basil, Peas, and Pine Nuts

Everyone loves this tiny-pasta salad, especially when fresh basil is available.
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces orzo white or whole wheat
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 cup green peas
  • ½ cup basil minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs pine nuts toasted
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Cook orzo according to directions on the box. Rinse with cold water and drain.
  • Thaw frozen peas.
  • Toast pine nuts in sauté pan over low heat until slightly brown. (Caution—they burn easily so watch them!)
  • For the balsamic dressing, whisk together the vinegar and Dijon mustard.
  • Mix all ingredients with the orzo and serve.

Creamy Golden Vegetable Soup

golden soup
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Print Recipe

Creamy Golden Vegetable Soup

Full of vegetables and blended to creamy goodness.
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5

Equipment

  • immersion blender

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 4 large carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 head broccoli chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 large cauliflower chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 15 ounces white beans drained
  • 8 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • fresh chopped chives or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Set a large stock pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions, garlic and celery for 3-5 minutes. Add a bit of vegetable broth if they begin to stick. Stir in the turmeric, paprika, and cayenne, and cook a minute or two longer.
  • Add in the remaining vegetables, beans, liquids, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Mix in the nutritional yeast and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat and puree soup using an immersion blender. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or cilantro.

Notes

The recipe makes a lot, which is a good thing because you can freeze some for another meal.