Tasty Tofu Broccoli Pasta

So first-up in 2011 is the infamous tofu. I know. I know. Tofu is SO hard to work with, right. NO! Wrong. It gets easier the more you practice. Practice makes better.

For my recipe, I was inspired by this tofu recipe.

Tofu Broccoli Pasta

Serves: 2-3

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 block extra-firm tofu

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp dried/powdered ginger

1/4 tsp chili powder

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp lemon juice

bag of frozen broccoli (sauce/salt free)

1/2 box wheat pasta

Steps:

1. Drain tofu. Place tofu in-between 2 dishes. Place something heavy on-top of tofu to aid in squeezing out the liquid. Let stand for 15 minutes or so.

2. Slice and dice tofu into equally sized cubes (probably medium sized, but your choice.)

[See below for preparation steps for broccoli and pasta which can be done simultaneously.]

3. Pan fry tofu in frying pan with oil until light brown on medium heat approximately 10 minutes.

4. Add in garlic, ginger, and chili powder for approximately 5 minutes.

5. Stir maple syrup and lemon juice and soy sauce.

6. Remove from heat and serve!

Making it a meal!

Before you begin pan frying your tofu, boil 2 pots of water- one for the broccoli and one for the pasta. You just want to heat up the broccoli, which probably takes 5-8 minutes. The pasta usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The tofu takes about 20 minutes in total. Time it right and all 3 will be cooked and hot at the same time! Mix together and you have a complete meal! I recommend 1 cup cooked wheat pasta with 1-1.5 cups cooked broccoli, and half the block of tofu! Enjoy! (It's taaaaaastY! :))