Light Spinach Pasta With Tofu Food

PASTA WITH SPINACH PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• While pasta is cooking, in food processor or blender, combine spinach, tofu, lemon juice, garlic, broth, cheese, pepper, and Italian seasoning, process until smooth. Set aside.
• Spray a large non-stick saute pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook onions and mushrooms until tender. Reduce heat to low, add pesto mixture and heat until hot.
• Toss pasta with sauce and bacon bits. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. NOTE: If sauce seems too thick, thin to desired consistency with pasta cooking water or broth.

LIGHT SPINACH PASTA WITH TOFU

Steps:

• Boil pasta according to package directions but only till its almost done.
• Wash and clean the spinach and steam with a little water for 4 minutes in the microwave.
• Once it is steamed, blenderize it with the same water to get a spinach paste which is kind of watery
• In a large non stick skillet, heat oil.
• When oil gets hot, add the chopped garlic.
• When the garlic is slightly browned add the onions and stir fry till the onions turn brown.
• Add the tofu and stir fry till the tofu changes color a bit and looks slightly as if it has been fried.
• At this point add the red pepper flakes/powder and stir. Immediately add the the spinach paste
• Let it simmer.
• Add salt.
• When the water from the spinach reduces add the semi cooked pasta and let it cook completely. If you think more water is needed add that.
• I don't add cheese, but can also do the last step in the oven with mozzarella on top.
• I like this hot and cold--tastes good every way.

TOFU & SPINACH PESTO

Steps:

• Throw everything in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper is desired (although I really don't think it's necessary).
• Using a tray for large ice cubes (usually 16), fill each individual hole with pesto. Cover and freeze. You should have some left over- keep that to eat fresh.
• Pop out a cube from the freezer when you're in the mood for pesto! 1 cube = 1 portions (approx.).

TOFU-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS

Steps:

• Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the tofu, 2 tablespoons Romano cheese and garlic; cover and process until smooth. (Add 1 tablespoon water if mixture is too thick.) Add spinach; process until blended. Drain shells; stuff with tofu mixture., In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce and wine. Spread about 1/2 cup sauce in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange stuffed shells over sauce. Top with remaining sauce. , Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Romano cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until shells are heated through and cheese is melted.

TOFU & SPINACH CANNELLONI

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a pan, add onion and 1/3 of the garlic and fry for 4 mins until softened. Pour in tomatoes, season and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and cook for 10 mins until sauce thickens.
• Heat half remaining oil in a frying pan and cook another 1/3 of garlic for 1 min, then add half the pine nuts and the spinach. Wilt spinach, then tip out excess liquid. Whizz tofu in a food processor or with a hand blender until smooth, then stir through the spinach with the nutmeg and some pepper. Remove from the heat; allow to cool slightly.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Pour half tomato sauce into a 20 x 30cm dish. Divide spinach mix between lasagne sheets, roll up and lay on top of sauce. Pour over remaining sauce. Bake for 30 mins.
• Mix crumbs with remaining garlic and pine nuts. Sprinkle over top of dish, drizzle with remaining oil and bake for 10 mins until crumbs are golden.

PASTA WITH TOMATOES AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan.Add the chopped onion along with a small pinch of sea salt. Cook until the onion is translucent and springy. Make sure to stir the onion often to avoid burning.
• Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the onion and cook for a minute or two.Now add the cherry tomatoes. Cook until they start to break down slightly.Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the pan followed by 2 tablespoons of red pesto. Stir well, you should have some sauce now. Cook for a minute or two then stir in the black olives.
• Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta.
• Add the creme fraîche to the tomatoes one tablespoon at a time stirring all the time. Once all the creme fraîche has been added stir in the grated cheese.Now start slowly adding the pasta water. Again you will need to do this slowly while stirring all the time. Add a few tablespoons at a time making sure the sauce is to your preference. Too much water will result in a watery sauce so go slowly. Season with the remaining salt and pepper.
• Once you have the consistency you like add the spinach. I do this one handful at a time and once that has wilted down add the next handful.Finally, tip the cooked pasta into the pan, stir in the basil and serve immediately. Top with more grated cheese if you wish.