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Tofu “Meatballs”

written by Parita 14 Comments

I’ve mentioned before that we are a mixed family when it comes to eating preferences.  I am a vegetarian while Vishnu is a [white] meat/seafood guy.  Sadly for him though, I’m not big into cooking meat at home.  Quite honestly, it grosses me out.  Plain and simple.  He does get his fill with turkey sandwiches, any meals we eat out, and lunches served at school. 

But before y’all feel too bad for him, you should know that he eats plenty of delicious (or at least I think so) and protein filled veggie meals.  In fact, just today he asked me to make the tofu meatballs from the other night again next week.  That’s how I know something is good.  And just so y’all know, I have about a 95% success rate when it comes to Vishnu’s taste buds.  Not bad!

So I found this recipe while searching for vegetarian meal ideas.  It looked easy enough, was something different from our normal dinner eats, and sounded tasty.  So I gave it a shot. 

tofu meatballs 003

It was in fact different and delicious and easy, however the process in getting to all of that was a messy one.  Messy and fun I should say!  Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

As you can see from the picture above, I used quinoa as the base and topped it all off with some goat cheese.  Next time I may use spaghetti squash and mozzarella to change things up a bit.  Also, I didn’t have time to make the sauce from scratch, so I used a store bought Bertolli sauce. 

And I’m just going to warn all my meat loving friends – the tofu meatballs taste nothing like the real deal.  They tasted more like little ricotta veggie burgers.  All I have to say is yum. 

So without further ado, here’s my version of this great recipe.

Tofu Meatballs
Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon sea salt + black pepper to taste
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
4-5 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon hot sauce
1 package of extra firm tofu (drained, pressed, and crumbled)
1 large egg
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the sauce – 3/4 of a store bought pasta sauce and 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Add the onion, salt, and pepper.  Cook until the onion is just starting to look transparent.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the soy sauce and hot sauce.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften up.
5. With a slotted spoon, transfer the veggies to a blender/food processor.  Save the liquid.
6. Add the tofu, egg, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning to the veggie mixture.  Blend until combined. 
7. Place the tofu mixture in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to harden.
8. Mix the jar of pasta sauce with the reserved liquid from the veggie mixture over medium heat.
9. Place a large skillet over medium heat.  Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and also spray with a little bit of cooking spray.
*10. Sprinkle flour on a plate.  Wet your hands with a little bit of water and scoop out 1 – 2 inch tofu balls. 
*11. Roll the balls in the flour.
12. Once ready, transfer balls to skillet and cook on each side for a few minutes or until brown.  (You’ll likely have to do two large batches).
13. Place the tofu balls in the sauce and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.

*The messy part of the process.

When ready to serve, spoon some quinoa (or whatever base you choose) on a plate and top with tofu meatballs and sauce.  Sprinkle your favorite cheese on top and enjoy!

tofu meatballs 004

This recipe definitely got two thumbs up from both me and my meat eating husband!  And as an added bonus, these tofu meatballs make great leftovers. 

See, I told you guys not to feel too bad for Vishnu!!

If you have any delicious vegetarian recipes you’d like to share, PLEASE do so.  I’m always on the lookout for new ones to try.

Written on October 19, 2012 Related:Family, Food, Marriage, Recipe, Relationships

Simple Meals

written by Parita Leave a Comment

So here I was thinking I’d be posting regularly again.  Oops – I’m already behind!  I actually didn’t feel well at all last night.  I finally fell asleep around 11:00 only to wake up again at 3:00 with a tummy ache. Sad smile  I’ll spare y’all the details, but last night was rough…to say the least.  The good news is that I was completely back to normal in the morning and am still going strong!  That counts for something, right!?

Anywho, on to today’s topic – simple meals.  I am the queen of “throwing things together.”  For me, this means a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  I think living solo has really enabled me to master this skill. I really do love being able to come home from work, walk into the kitchen, pick a few staples, cook them up, throw in a few spices, and eat.  Easy peasy!  And now that I have my very own blog, I love that I can share these super simple meals with others so that they too can live the good life! Winking smile

Take tonight’s dinner as an example…

simple meal 003

Quinoa, Zucchini, Bean Bowl

1 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 small green zucchini chopped
1/4 small yellow squash chopped
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
Sea salt
Garlic salt
Paprika
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Annie’s Goddess Dressing
Goat cheese crumbles

Combine water and quinoa in a small sauce pan and set over medium heat.  Allow to boil and then allow to simmer on low for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a small pan.  Add veggies and cook for 3-5 minutes.  Add black beans and allow to cook for another couple of minutes.  Then add spices to taste (which means a dash of this and a dash of that for me).  Stir until combined.  Serve with a tablespoon of dressing and goat cheese crumbles on top.  Enjoy!

See what I mean!?  Easy, healthy, and delish!  And the dish is incredibly versatile.  You can substitute or add any veggies, beans, or spices you want. I love dishes like this because they allow me to be creative in the shortest amount of time possible.  Perfect for the work week.  I think I may try this with some baked tofu next time…just for kicks!

Have a great night!

What are some of your favorite easy peasy recipes!?  Feel free to share links in the comments section.  I’m always looking for simple meal ideas!

Written on August 24, 2011 Related:Food, Recipe, Uncategorized

WIAW #4

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Welcome to yet another edition of WIAW!  Be sure to stop by and visit Jenn at Peas & Crayons to see more yummy eats!

Let’s get this party started… Smile

Breakfast

WIAW #4 001

Yep, another smoothie.  This never gets old!

This was exactly what I needed after my 4 mile run!

In the mix was…

    • 1 frozen banana (I’m quickly realizing that frozen is the only way to go)
    • 1 scoop Sun Warrior chocolate protein powder
    • 1 tablespoon Hershey’s Dark Chocolate cocoa powder
    • 1 spoon of PB
    • 1 cup skim milk
    • 1 large handful spinach

…blend (well) and enjoy!

Lunch

So, I decided to change things up this week and bring my lunch from home today.  I saved my free lunch coupon for tomorrow! Winking smile

WIAW #4 005

This is a simple yet delicious cheddar and tomato sandwich on whole wheat bread.  The special ingredient is the Annie’s Goddess dressing I used as a spread.  YUM!

WIAW #4 003

I also enjoyed some thick Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries as a snack.  The fresh fruit and yogurt combo really is unbeatable!

WIAW #4 006

This crisp apple was my late afternoon snack.  DELISH!

Dinner

I had a craving for some home cooked Indian food today, so dinner is going to be (it’s still simmering away on the stove) a spiced edamame, spinach, and tomato stew along side some quinoa.  I taste tested to see if I needed to adjust the spice level, and if I do say so myself, it’s quite delicious.  GO ME! (Recipe to be posted soon.)

WIAW #4 008

The stars of tonight’s dinner

WIAW #4 011

Simmering away…

WIAW #4 013

The best base for any Indian dish…QUINOA!

Well, there you have it…another week, another WIAW!  I’m sure I’ll be finishing off the night with some dark chocolate chips…you know how I do! Winking smile

Have a wonderful night, y’all!

What’s the BEST thing you ate this week!?  Make me drool!

Written on June 15, 2011 Related:Food, Indian Food

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