Learn To Love Tofu

The idea of tofu, to many, is not a pleasant one. But unknown to many, aside from it's extremely healthy qualities, tofu can easily be used as a meat alternative in some of your favorite meat dishes. Tofu takes on the flavors of the dish, while offering a meat-like texture. Here are some great tofu-laden recipes for tofu amateurs.

Orzo with Tomato and Fried Tofu

• PREP TIME: 30 Minutes
• COOK TIME: 10 Minutes
• READY IN: 40 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) package extra firm tofu, diced
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender. Drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the garlic and green onions for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tofu, and continue cooking until golden brown.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, lemon juice, and basil; cook for another minute. Combine with the cooked orzo pasta, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese.

Tofu and Rice Stuffed Peppers

• PREP TIME: 25 Minutes
• COOK TIME: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
• READY IN: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (12 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and diced
• 1 3/4 cups marinara sauce, divided
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 red bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 2 orange bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices tomato

DIRECTIONS

1. Place rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 45 minutes, or until tender.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and stir in garlic and tofu. Cook about 5 minutes. Mix in 1/4 cup marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook and stir until tofu is evenly brown.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, press an equal amount of rice into each pepper half. Layer rice with remaining marinara sauce, and 1/2 the cheese. Press equal amounts of tofu into the pepper halves. Place 1 tomato slice on each pepper, and top peppers with remaining mozzarella. Arrange stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
5. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until cheese is melted. Serve 1/2 of each color pepper to each person.

Tofu Creamed Spinach

• PREP TIME: 20 Minutes
• COOK TIME: 10 Minutes
• READY IN: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 (12 ounce) package firm tofu
• 1/2 cup milk or soy milk
• 1 cup Parmesan or Asiago cheese
• Garlic powder to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until soft and translucent, but not brown. Add spinach; cook, stirring frequently, until wilted.
2. Place tofu, milk, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a blender, and puree until smooth.
3. Stir pureed tofu into spinach. Cook until warmed through. Adjust seasonings, if desired, and serve.

Kristen Putch - Marley has been a freelance writer since 2006, covering travel, food, health, fitness and women's issues for a variety of publications. ...

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