Braised Tofu and Vegetables (1 pan!)

Spice-Rubbed Braised Tofu with Vegetables in a Savory Umami Sauce. A novel scrumptious vacation entree that each one cooks in a single pan! (gluten-free and nut-free with soy-free choices)

I wished to make a vegan braised meat-style dish for the vacations, so I got here up with this one-skillet meal that’s wealthy, hearty, and extremely flavorful. It options an incredible, fragrant spice rub that smells so meaty you’ll be shocked it’s fully plant-based. The spice rub coats tofu that’s been frozen, thawed, and pressed, giving it a dense, chewy texture excellent for braising.

The base for the braise begins with crisped-up potatoes and carrots. After searing the greens, we make a deeply flavorful sauce with caramelized onions, a number of aromatics, and contemporary herbs, and taste boosters. 

The tofu and greens braise collectively on this sauce, permitting the tofu to soak up all that taste whereas growing a barely crispy prime and a young, chicken-like inside.

We use an oven-safe pan to begin the dish on the stovetop and end it within the oven, the place the greens develop into completely tender and the tofu will get a stunning golden prime. 

It’s unbelievable served with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes or different mashed greens, bean purée, some crusty bakery bread, or a facet salad. 

A easy herb sauce provides a vivid, contemporary distinction, however you may take pleasure in it by itself, too. It’s full of fantastic flavors with or with out. The herb sauce simply bumps up the flavour much more.

Why You’ll Love Braised Tofu and Vegetables

• 1-pan entree that’s excellent for the vacation desk
• flavorful braised greens in caramelized onion sauce
• large items of crisp, herb-rubbed tofu
• naturally gluten-free and nut-free with simple soy-free possibility

Ingredients

• tofu – For the very best texture, freeze after which thaw the tofu earlier than urgent out the surplus moisture. To save time, you may simply press the tofu for quarter-hour, if wanted.
• herbs and spices – For the spice rub, you want cumin seeds, bay leaves, paprika cayenne (optionally available), black pepper, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. For the braised greens, use contemporary or dried thyme together with dried sage. You could make the herb sauce with contemporary cilantro, parsley, or each.
• soy sauce and brown sugar – You can toss the tofu with these earlier than including the spice rub for extra taste, should you like.
• aromatics – Onion and garlic add a ton of taste to the braised tofu and greens!
• veggies – Seared potatoes and carrots add texture and taste.
• sauces – Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce give the roast that meaty taste.
• lemon juice – For the optionally available herb sauce.

How to Make Braised Tofu and Vegetables

Heat a small skillet over medium warmth. Add the cumin seeds and toast for 1 to 2 minutes till aromatic and barely darkened. Add the bay leaves to the pan, and toast briefly, then change off the warmth. Transfer to a spice grinder or espresso grinder, and course of till coarsely floor. Mix the bottom combination with the remaining tofu rub spices and salt in a small bowl.

If frozen, thaw the tofu in a single day within the fridge or on the counter for an hour or so. Press the tofu for no less than quarter-hour to take away extra moisture. Tear into 1½” to 2 inch” items.

Add the tofu items to a big bowl. For additional taste, you may toss the tofu cubes with the optionally available soy sauce blended with brown sugar earlier than coating them with the spice rub. Sprinkle the spice combination throughout, and toss properly to coat. Marinate for no less than an hour within the fridge.

Meanwhile, prep all the veggies and begin the braising course of.Preheat the oven to 415°F (210°C). 

Heat oil in a big oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium warmth. Add the onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt, and cook dinner for 4 to five minutes, till the onions flip translucent. Add a splash of water, if wanted, to stop sticking.

Add the thyme and sage, then stir within the potatoes and carrots. Add one other teaspoon of oil, if wanted, and toss to coat all the things evenly. Let the combination sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes or longer, so the greens can begin to sear and the onions can caramelize. At this level, you may sear the tofu briefly within the skillet, or add it later. 

Make an area in the course of the pan and add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of inventory. Mix very well, then pour within the remaining inventory, and blend once more. Place the tofu items on prime of the greens. If the tofu is already blended in, don’t combine it up an excessive amount of; simply let all the things sit within the inventory. Drizzle a teaspoon or extra of oil over the tofu.

Turn off the warmth, and switch the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or till the tofu begins to get crispy on prime and the potatoes and carrots are tender. If the tofu isn’t crispy sufficient, broil for a minute or two for additional crispness. If the sauce reduces an excessive amount of, add a splash of inventory earlier than serving.

Make the herb sauce by mixing all of the substances in a small bowl. Taste and regulate seasoning.

Serve the braised tofu and veggies as is, or with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, bean purée, or crusty bread. Drizzle with the herb sauce earlier than serving.

What to Serve with Braised Tofu

Serve the braised tofu and veggies as is, or with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, bean purée, or crusty bread. Drizzle with the herb sauce earlier than serving.