Crispy Tofu on Udon Noodles

I made my version of tofu pakora and served it to my daughter and her friend that came over to watch America's Next Top Model. Her friend said this was the first time she's had tofu....they finished the plate like an appetizer. I thought I would try breading tofu with chickpea flour, it is super easy this way no need to dust with flour, then dip in egg, then dip in coating. I just mixed the pressed* and cubed tofu with some garlic ginger paste, pinch of chili, a little cumin, and garam masala. *To press I used firm tofu, drain and place between several sheets of paper towels and set something heavy on top, just to get the moisture out. Of course use a tofu press if you have one. Then added some chickpea flour and rice flour (3 to 1 ratio) until it was coated enough and stuck to the tofu, and salt to taste. Pan fry it until nice and crisp just the way you like it. I served some to the girls like this with cute little picks, and they finished it so quickly I didn't get a photo of that plate, nor did I get a chance to make a dipping sauce for it. So they both ate their udon noodles with out the tofu, and they both loved it anyway.

I was able to save some tofu for my husband and myself, so I set the tofu aside and fixed the udon noodles.

INGREDIENT: fresh udon noodles fresh greens I think I used Chinese broccoli, you can use baby bock choy or U-choy whatever you like 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce 1 tablespoon tahini 1 clove garlic chopped 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (optional, I like to use this if the greens are bitter) 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (optional ,or add more depending how spicy you like it) Cook noodles according to package directions, don't add the seasoning packet if it came with one. Heat oil on medium and cook greens until soft, add garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes keep stirring, careful not to burn it. Add noodles and the rest of the ingredients and heat through. Toss on the tofu last to keep it crisp.

Maranda's friend was saying she's never had udon noodles before either and she likes coming over here to eat because she gets to try new things. Her brother won't eat vegetables, so she said this was a treat having it with noodles. It's so nice hearing that, it's better than some friends that might turned up their nose at it. You know how kids are. :D

This has been added to My Meatless Mondays

Eggplant and Tofu - Saffron Cream Sauce

I almost feel bad even posting this recipe it was kind of thrown together here. Even when you have the summer off it still seems so busy with things to do. I tend to get myself in trouble when someone asks for the recipe and I don't always have one. I like to eyeball ingredients when I add them, but I will try to get it as close as I remember. I also usually use what I have so if it seems odd that's one reason!

Ingredients:
1 eggplant diced
1 lb firm tofu diced
4 oz mushrooms
1 shallot
green chillies - I used mild ones
1 bunch fresh spinach - I also use frozen which I always have on hand-
1 tsp or a good pinch saffron threads
1 tblsp garlic ginger paste
1 tblsp tomato paste
I used some mushroom paste too but this is optional
1 tsp ginger fresh grated
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream
1 cup milk

In a large pan I used a dutch oven - with some butter or olive oil brown or saute the tofu then remove to a plate with some paper towel. With a little more butter or olive oil saute the shallots, then add chillies, eggplant then mushrooms, cook until tender. I then added the pastes, stirring it all in, then the rest of the seasonings. I like to add my seasonings before the liquid, except the saffron, which you add with the liquids. Add the sour cream, then cream and milk and saffron, then tofu, mix it all together and heat through and the sauce thickens.

Serve over some rice! Viola! Like I said sort of all thrown together, but sometimes cooking is like that! So is life!

I guess this would be good for a meatless Monday!

I am also sharing some photos of an Osprey in her nest.

We saw several of them along the Intercoastal Waterway, from Sarasota to Venice.

Yesterday I was trying to make some roti and it wasn't quite right. It would of gone perfect with this dish. I'll keep working at it!
Hope you all have a great Monday! Wow it's Monday already!