Lunch!

The local Whole Foods offers several classes and demos a month, one of which is geared towards vegan food. The class is so popular that they have to offer it twice a month. Some people are vegans looking for new recipes, others are omnis interested in eating healthier. I go because I'm always looking for new recipes. Adn this week, I got several. One of my favorites was an Asian tofu salad. This is a pretty simple recipe that can be done partially cooked or not cooked at all, although I'm not keen on the idea of eating uncooked tofu.

Anyway, it's really, really simple. Take one block of firm or extra-firm tofu (I use firm because it has a higher percentage RDA of calcium) and 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms (the recipe called for shiitake, but all I had on hand were some creminis) and saute in sesame oil. For the dressing mix 1 large clove of garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons of grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon of chili paste (or to taste); 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar; and half a tablespoon of sesame oil. When the tofu and mushrooms are done cooking, throw in 1 chopped bell pepper, 4 chopped scallions and fresh parsley. You can serve it over greens, with rice crackers or in a pita, but I decided to serve with rice noodles. It was almost as good as in the demo and a very simple and tasty lunch.

I get recipes from all over--VegWeb, RecipeZaar, demos like this, from fellow veg*ans, and one day, I'm going to have to compile them all into an easier format than random pieces of paper that get lost too easily. I also need to get a new timer as the one I've had just stopped working :(.