SAVE THE KALES: Episode 1, Tofu Factory. Vegan Cooking Show with Jaime K

Here it is! The first full episode! Wow!

In this episode, we go to the Fresh Tofu, Inc. factory. President of the company, Gary, tells us about how they got started (a vegan food truck in the 1970’s – this guy is awesome) and you can buy their products in and around Pennsylvania, and they also supply to some “high profile” NYC restaurants and businesses.

Then back at the kitchen, we make a Tofu Garlic and Basil “Ricotta” Pizza with Fresh Arugula and Lemon. PLUS my Sunday Morning Tofu Scramble — a true weekend staple in the Karpovich/Hill household.

Finally, our friend Johnny Gee from the blog Johnnysized joins us to share the meal and talk about how going on a plant-based diet has helped him lose over 70 pounds (to date, currently) and get off ALL medications.

You can find the recipes below.

RECIPES

BASIL “RICOTTA” PIZZA

• pizza crust of choice, cooked
• 1 block firm tofu, pressed
• 1 bunch basil leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• salt to taste
• fresh arugula
• fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on pizza
• fresh cracked black pepper

Have a pizza crust already cooked and ready to go!

Cut tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices, lay on a clean towel, and press with your hands to get the water out.

Put tofu in a food processor. Take all the leaves of a bunch of basil and add to the food processor, along with garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.

Spread the mixture on top of the pizza dough. (Mixture and any leftovers can be put in the fridge for a few days.)

Drizzle olive oil on the pizza, then top with fresh arugula. Serve with a wedge of fresh lemon and guests can use it to add fresh lemon jucie to their own pizzas (or do this yourself ahead of time). Fresh cracked black pepper and some salt finish the dish.

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SUNDAY MORNING TOFU SCRAMBLE

• 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed
• 2 small yellow or white onions, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper and 1/2 green pepper
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 2-3 Tbsp Bragg’s Liquid Aminos(or tamari or soy sauce)
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp turmeric
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• garnish with fresh herbs or avocado slices

Press the water out of the tofu and set aside.

Cut up the onion, mushrooms and peppers and set aside.

In a large pan or skillet, heat up the onion and olive oil until onion is translucent, about three minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for about three more minutes. Then add the peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Once veggies are cooked, use your hands to crumble the tofu into the pan. Add Bragg’s (or soy or tamari sauce), garlic powder, turmeric, and dried basil. Mix everything. Add nutritional yeast and mix again. Salt and pepper to taste.

Top with avocado or fresh herbs, and this can be stored in the fridge for several days and eaten as-is or as part of a sandwich, salad or burrito.

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Come back for Episode Two which will be on air/online in June! We go to a local community garden, give some hearty comfort foods a healthier vegan makeover, and learn more about The Bethlehem Food Co-op. 

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