Why has it taken me so long?!

Indian round 3… here. we. go!

Indian-Style Tofu with Cauliflower & Chutney

Fanatic-Style!

When I got home from work I got started on prepping the tofu (a whole new world for me…)

I picked up this Nasoya Organic Extra Firm Tofu on my “fridge makeover” adventure this past weekend.

FYI Richmonders, Whole Foods has $1.50 off 2 Nasoya products in their flyer! 

I used some paper towels & a “heavy object” as directed to press the tofu for about 30 minutes (in the fridge).

Meanwhile it was time to get to work on the rest of the meal!

Here were most of the ingredients based on this Cooking Light recipe, with a few modifications as noted:

• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 1 tblsp Tropical Traditions virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 3 tsp Muchi curry powder
• 1 tblsp cumin
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tblsp S&B prepared ginger paste
• 1 big a$$ cauliflower chopped into large pieces
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• sprinkle salt
• brown basmati rice
• frozen green peas (1/2 cup)
• plain yogurt
• fresh cilantro

So this recipe called for a food processor, which I don’t have (I know, the horror!) so don’t be worried about a thang if you don’t either

There’s always another way!

First up were the onions, which I used one of my favorite kitchen tools to chop up ever so finely.

SwissMar V-Prep, you are my hero

Next it was time to get to cooking!  Add the spices (cumin, curry & mustard powder) to a pan over medium and let them get “toasty” for a minute or two… you’ll know from the fabulous smells that they begin to release into your kitchen!

After a quick minute or two it was time to drop in the coconut oil & the onions…

Check out the amazing color!  We won’t even go there with the smell of this… holy crap outta control freaking yum

After about 10 minutes over medium heat, covered, the onions should be golden & tender.  Now add the ginger & garlic!

No food processor, no problem!  Just smash the garlic with the flat side of your knife and give it a rough chop, voila

Add to the pan with the spices/onions and let cook for about another 2 minutes…

Wait for it.  Wait for it.

The smells continue to get BETTER!!  Unbelievable.

At this point add in the tomatoes, salt and cauliflower (ummm yea, this whole “thing” of cauliflower was a first purchase for me… still need some chopping practice on this one LOL )

Then our new friend Mr. Tofu, which after pressing for 30 minutes I cut into 1/2 inch blocks

Pop the lid on, turn down to a lil’ below medium heat and let everything cook up!  I let this go longer than the recipe called for so that the cauliflower would be a bit tender, probably about 25 minutes.

I also added in some frozen green peas towards the end for some additional nutrients & “color pop”!

To go alongside this beauty, I cooked up some brown basmati rice according the directions…

Alright, let’s get ready for the GRAND FINALE!!

Serving time

Top a scoop of the brown basmati rice with a few spoonfuls of the curry mixture… then add a dallop of plain yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro!

 My first response:  Why has it taken me so long to eat Indian food?!?!?

This was absolutely incredible & easily my favorite Indian creation yet.  The tofu curry was phenomenal, add in some creamy cool yogurt and the “zing” of fresh cilantro (both essential for this dish I think) I can’t even put in words what my mouth was experiencing?!  “Ahhh I just want to share this flavor with the world” kinda thing!!

I may or may not have been mumbling “mmmm omg mmmm” while eating, uhhhh yea, embarrasing

I was texting with Brittany telling her I wished she didn’t live downtown so I could have her come over and taste this creation asap, it was sooo gooood!

Basmati brown rice = ah-may-zinggggg too btw

Alright, well there you have it.  I am learning my way around a tofu kitchen and this recipe may have really sealed the deal for me.  Fabulous, I couldn’t be happier right now…

Time to get ready for American Idol and make something for The Man to eat after he gets home from basketball playoffs, think I can convince him to try tofu?

2 MORE DAYS TO ENTER GIVEAWAY TOO FRIENDS!

Enjoy your evening and see you for Friday Thursday

Out of this galaxy good!

Have you tried Galaxy Granola?

So you probably all know that I am participating in a lil’ movement called Fruit Not Fat :)

Fruit Not Fat started as a healthier way to make granola. By substituting applesauce for oil, the company wase able to make granola with half the fat and calories while still maintaining the delicious flavor .

After some “experimenting” in their small bakery, they realized Fruit Not Fat is much more than just healthy granola. It is a movement, a lifestyle, and a recipe for a happier and healthier life!

Check out their site for more details & delicious recipes

For a snack this morning I sprinkled some of this Vanilla Almond Granola on my lemon yogurt…

This was delicious!  I really liked the flavor of this granola, the large almonds mixed throughout really added to it as well.  I can definitely see this becoming part of my normal eats!

Check out the ingredient list, phenomenal

And here’s a sneak peak at the nutrition as well, which you can see is much better than your “average granola”

Galaxy Granola                                 “Average Granola” (we won’t name names here )

             

Winner winner!

Well after another busy day at work (it’s been one of those weeks) I plan on going home and “relaxing” in the kitchen!

On the menu tonight is tofu round 2 —> Indian style!  I mean, come on, how else?! (I have an addiction)?

And don’t forget that you have until this Friday to enter my GIVEAWAY!!

Happy Wednesday to ya friends!