THAI TOFU WITH PINEAPPLE AND VEGGIES

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into 6 slabs crosswise. Blot well on paper towels, then cut into dice.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil with the soy sauce in a stir-fry pan. Add the tofu and stir-fry over medium-high heat until golden on most sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add the onion and carrots and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the peas, pineapple, baby corn, tomatoes, coconut milk, optional lemongrass, and curry powder. Gently stir in the tofu. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes.
• Combine the cornstarch and optional curry paste in a cup or small bowl. Add enough water to dissolve, then pour the mixture into the pan. Simmer gently until the liquid has thickened.
• Stir in the cilantro and season with salt. Serve at once in shallow bowls over plenty of hot cooked grain.
• variation
• Try substituting a leek for the onion in this dish. Use the white portion of a medium or large leek; cut in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/4-inch half-circles. Rinse well in a colander before using.
• menu suggestions
• As mentioned in the headnote, this is a plentiful dish, so an interesting salad is enough to complete the meal. Two good choices are Bok Choy, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad (page 176) or Spinach and Red Cabbage Salad with Oranges and Almonds (page 180). Try the latter with the Sesame-Ginger Salad Dressing (page 222) option. If you'd like a little something extra with the meal, add prepared vegan dumplings or spring rolls (from your grocer's frozen foods section).
• nutrition information
• Calories: 322
• Total Fat: 14g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 14g
• Sodium: 500mg