Tofu Pesto Pasta Food

PESTO TOFU PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in spiral pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• In a medium bowl, blend 1/4 cup olive oil, milk, and pesto sauce mix.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place tofu in the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and drain on paper towels.
• Place mushrooms into the skillet, and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in the olives, capers, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Mix in the tofu and pesto sauce. Continue cooking about 5 minutes before serving over the rotini. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and basil.

TOFU PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, then transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms, discarding stems; cut into thin slices. Mince the onion and garlic. Core and seed the tomato, discarding liquid, then dice small. Squeeze out 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
• Combine basil and 1 tablespoon of oil in a blender or food processor. Pulse until well blended, then add another tablespoon of oil, tofu, and Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, saltn and pepper. Process until smooth. Pour into a large skillet and heat over low heat just until warmed through.
• In a separate skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms give up their liquid and the onions are softened. Add to the pasta in the serving bowl. Add the tofu-pesto mixture to the pasta and toss well.
• Serve with diced tomato scattered over top like a garnish.

TOFU PESTO PASTA RECIPE

Steps:

• Remove the tofu from the package and discard the water.
• Press the tofu by placing it in a shallow bowl or dish. Place a flat plate on top of the tofu and place something heavy on top of the plate. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then pour out the water collected in the bowl.
• When the tofu is ready, prepare the pasta by following the instructions on the box, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.
• Cube the pressed tofu and add it to the food processor along with the basil, nutritional yeast, garlic, walnuts, olive oil, 3 tablespoons water, lemon juice, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend until it is a smooth sauce.
• Drain the cooked pasta, and place the drained pasta back in the pot.
• Add the sauce and reserved cooking water. Stir to combine.
• Serve in individual bowls and top with basil, tomatoes, and pine nuts.

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.