Herbed Tofu & Spinach in Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, wholesome continental dinner, look no further than this Herbed Tofu & Spinach in Tomato Basil Sauce. This delightful dish combines fresh spinach, crisp red bell pepper, and fragrant mixed herbs, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato gravy. Topped with perfectly pan-seared herbed tofu, it’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other comforting sides. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet or simply looking for a hearty, nutritious dinner, this recipe is sure to please.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Tofu | 250 grams |
Spinach | 100 grams, torn |
Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced |
Onion | 1, finely chopped |
Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
Homemade Tomato Puree | 2 cups |
Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 2 tablespoons |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cayenne Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Black Pepper Powder | ½ teaspoon |
Water | ½ cup |
Corn Flour | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tofu:
Begin by removing the tofu from its package and wrapping it in paper towels. Press gently to absorb any excess moisture. This step helps the tofu to better absorb the flavors and achieve a crispier texture when seared.“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
Cook the Tomato Basil Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the homemade tomato puree and cook, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer over low heat, uncovered, for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes cook down into a thick, rich paste. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, and ensure the raw tomato smell dissipates. -
Add Vegetables and Herbs:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs (dried) and the sliced red bell pepper (capsicum). Sauté for a minute to soften the peppers slightly.
Next, add the torn-up spinach leaves and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they wilt down.
Add ½ cup of water, then season with salt and black pepper powder. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once done, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside. -
Prepare the Herbed Tofu:
While the sauce is simmering, take the pressed tofu and cut it into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Sprinkle both sides of the tofu with corn flour and 1 tablespoon of the remaining mixed herbs. This will give the tofu a crisp coating when pan-fried. -
Pan-Fry the Tofu:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu pieces to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside. -
Assemble the Dish:
To serve, place the cooked tomato, capsicum, and spinach sauce onto a serving plate, spreading it evenly.
Gently place the pan-seared herbed tofu on top of the sauce. You can drizzle a little extra sauce over the tofu for added flavor and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. -
Serving Suggestion:
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve this dish alongside a bowl of Cream of Mushroom & Spring Onion Soup, some creamy polenta, and a No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert. This combination will ensure a fulfilling, wholesome dinner that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Protein | 18 grams |
Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
Fiber | 4 grams |
Fat | 14 grams |
Sodium | 450 mg |
This Herbed Tofu & Spinach in Tomato Basil Sauce is a perfect dish to enjoy on a weeknight. It’s rich in flavor, packed with nutrients, and extremely satisfying. The tofu adds a hearty, protein-rich element to the dish, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. With a slight kick from the cayenne pepper and the depth of the homemade tomato gravy, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!