Zesty Squash and Tofu Skewers

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €4.14 · €1.04/serving

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as exquisite safflower, plus more for the grill (brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper (season to taste with salt and pepper at the end for balanced flavors)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1/2 jalapeño chile, finely chopped (remove ribs and seeds for milder flavor, if desired)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 2 tablespoons zesty fresh lime juice (roll the lime on the counter before juicing to extract more juice)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• 2 cups vibrant fresh cilantro leaves (rinse and pat dry with paper towels to remove any dirt)Est. price €0.50–€1.20
• 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger (use a microplane grater for a fine texture)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 3 scallions, trimmed, white and green parts separated and sliced into 1-inch lengths (slice on a diagonal for an elegant touch)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 package (14 ounces) firm extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 12 uniform pieces (press tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture for better texture)Est. price €1.80–€3.00
• 2 summer squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces (cut into uniform pieces for even cooking)Est. price €1.00–€2.50

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the grill to a medium temperature. Using a food processor, blend together cilantro, 1/4 cup of oil, jalapeño, ginger, lime juice, and scallion greens until a smooth mixture is achieved. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix tofu and scallion whites with 1 tablespoon of oil; season this mixture with salt and pepper as well. Skewer the tofu and scallion whites onto four skewers each, followed by threading squash onto four more skewers.

2. 2

   Prepare the grill grates by cleaning and lightly oiling them. Grill the squash kebabs over high heat, covered, for 11 to 13 minutes until they are tender, remembering to turn them occasionally. Once done, transfer the cooked squash kebabs to a serving platter. Next, grill the tofu kebabs uncovered until the scallions have softened, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Turn the tofu kebabs occasionally while grilling. Brush the tofu with 1/4 cup of cilantro sauce and continue grilling for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the tofu kebabs to the same serving platter as before. To serve, accompany both types of kebabs with the remaining cilantro sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over them as desired.

3. 3

   Begin by setting the tofu, whether firm or extra-firm, on a plate covered with paper towels. Place an additional layer of paper towels on top and then another plate. Apply pressure using canned goods or a heavy pan. Allow the tofu to drain for a minimum of 2 hours, but it can also go up to 8 hours if needed. Remember to switch out the paper towels as needed during this process.

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• Cultural note

  This dish is a fusion of flavors, combining elements from Asian and Mexican cuisines. Tofu skewers are commonly found in Asian cuisine, while the zesty lime juice and jalapeño add a Mexican twist. Enjoy this dish as a modern take on traditional skewers.

• Seasonal note

  Zesty Squash and Tofu Skewers are best made in the summer when summer squash is in season and fresh cilantro and scallions are readily available. Enjoy this dish during warmer months for the freshest ingredients.

• Health note

  These skewers are a nutritious option, providing a good source of plant-based protein from tofu and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, K, and Zinc. The dish is also high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.