Zesty Spicy Tofu in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.74 · €2.18/serving

• One 16-ounce tub firm tofuEst. price €1.80–€3.20
• 3 tablespoons cornmealEst. price €0.08–€0.20
• 21/2 tablespoons olive oilEst. price €0.25–€0.60
• SaltEst. price €0.01–€0.05
• 1 medium onion, quartered and thinly slicedEst. price €0.40–€0.90
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into short, narrow stripsEst. price €0.70–€1.50
• 1 small fresh chile pepper, seeds removed, minced, optionalEst. price €0.20–€0.50
• One 16-ounce jar prepared salsa, any favorite varietyEst. price €1.50–€3.00
• 1 cup salt-free canned crushed tomatoesEst. price €0.35–€0.80
• 8 corn tortillasEst. price €1.20–€2.40

Steps

1. 1

   Slice the tofu into 6 thick pieces. Pat dry using paper towels or clean kitchen cloths, then dice into small cubes.

2. 2

   In a plastic food storage bag, mix the tofu and cornmeal together. Gently shake the bag until the tofu is evenly coated with the cornmeal.

3. 3

   In a wide nonstick skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté, stirring often, until it turns golden on most sides, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly season with salt before transferring the tofu to a container and covering it to maintain warmth.

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• Cultural note

  This dish is a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, combining traditional Mexican ingredients like corn tortillas and salsa with tofu and vegan cheese. It showcases the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives in modern cooking while offering a spicy and flavorful twist on classic comfort food.

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be enjoyed year-round as the main ingredients like tofu, onion, bell pepper, and canned tomatoes are typically available in stores throughout the year. However, fresh chile peppers and corn tortillas may be more abundant and flavorful during the summer months.

• Health note

  Zesty Spicy Tofu in Tomato Sauce is a nutritious dish rich in plant-based proteins from tofu and fiber from vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, essential for immune function and skin health. However, the high sodium content from ingredients like canned tomatoes and salsa…