Tween and I had a nearly perfect week while the Big Guys were away.
With a good balance of (age-appropriate) work and activities and play, alone-time and friend-time, and a huge stream of quiet flowing throughout, we thoroughly enjoyed each day and, at week’s end, we both felt productive and well-rested.
One thing on which we did not spend a lot of time: cooking. I made a couple quick-and-easy family meals (ramen, roasted veggie spaghetti) that provided leftovers. We ate one dinner out with a friend and again came home with leftovers.
For my own enjoyment, I made a tofu scramble that, along with some leftover roasted potatoes, made for several scrumptiously satisfying meals.
When we moved to the Bay Area more than a decade ago, I asked around for breakfast place suggestions. Repeatedly I heard about Rick & Ann’s, which–despite the 20-minute drive and at least 20-minute wait time–has become one of our family’s favorite special occasion spots.
Each of us has a favorite order, the thing we get every time, and mine is tofu scramble. Over the years I have kept my eyes peeled for a copycat recipe; I tried one that looked okay, but wasn’t.
I recently discovered Kathy Patalsky’s recipe in Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen. With just a couple of tweaks (add fresh garlic and ginger and curry powder, skip maple syrup), this is as close as I’ll come to the real deal.
Even better? It’s so easy! Start to finish, I think it took less than fifteen minutes.
Tofu Scramble
Serves 4
12 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
1/2 c diced onion
1/2 c other veggies (bell peppers, mushrooms)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1″ thumb fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 c spinach, rough chopped
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1/3 c nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp curry powder
salt/pepper to taste
Green onion and/or cilantro to top (optional)
Drain tofu, then wrap it in paper towels between two plates, weighted to press out extra liquid. Set aside while you gather ingredients and chop veggies.
In a large pan, saute onion for 3 minutes; if necessary, add 1/2 tsp water to keep onion from sticking. Add other veggies, garlic and ginger and saute for additional 2 minutes.
Add tofu. Either break the block apart with your hands as you add to the pan or (easier if you have it) use a potato masher to break the tofu into bits. Add spinach and remaining spices and stir occasionally until spinach wilts and scramble warms through. Taste and adjust spices as desired.
Top with green onion and/or cilantro, and serve with roasted potatoes or potato-veggie hash and whole wheat toast.
