Roasted Eggplant And Tofu Round Recipes

CRISPY SZECHUAN-STYLE EGGPLANT AND TOFU

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine 2/3 cup of the cornstarch, the salt and pepper. Toss the eggplant pieces in the cornstarch mixture to coat, shaking off the excess; set aside. Repeat the process with the tofu.
• Heat 1/2 inch of the peanut oil in a large, deep, straight-sided skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, cook the eggplant first, tossing gently until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and the tofu.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
• Carefully drain the oil from the skillet, and wipe out any residue using paper towels held with tongs. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ginger, about 1 teaspoon of the minced chiles (or to taste) and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just fragrant, about 30 seconds; pour in the chicken stock mixture and bring it to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the cooked eggplant and tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in the sesame oil and remove from the heat. Serve immediately over rice and garnished with the remaining minced chiles if desired and chopped cilantro.

EGGPLANT AND TOFU CURRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, puree the garlic, ginger, jalapeno and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a mini food processor until a paste forms. Drain the tomatoes, reserving the juice; coarsely crush the tomatoes in a separate bowl.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and the eggplant to the pot; cook 2 minutes. Add the garlic-ginger paste and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add the curry powder and tomatoes (but not the juice) and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the tomato juice and 1 cup water and cook until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Add the coconut milk and tofu; simmer until the eggplant is very tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice, if desired.

SIMPLE OVEN-ROASTED TOFU

Steps:

• Open tofu package and drain off the liquid. Place a few paper towels on a small baking sheet and lay the tofu block on top. Place a few more paper towels on top of the tofu, and then place a heavy cast iron skillet to press out the liquid. Alternatively you can also top with a plate and a few heavy cans to apply weight.
• Allow the tofu to press at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure that a lot of that excess moisture is removed.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Once the tofu has been fully pressed, remove the skillet and discard the paper towels. Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, onion and chili powder. Gently toss to evenly combine. Transfer the tofu to a well greased baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast for 15 minutes and then remove from the oven and flip the tofu over. Return to the oven and roast until golden brown and crispy, a further 15 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!