Thanksgiving Day Tofu

Thanksgiving Day Tofu Recipe - Vegan Cuisine from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Thanksgiving Day Tofu is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. This recipe features a flavorful tofu loaf with a sage dressing that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a vegan twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Tofu, a versatile and protein-rich ingredient, is used as the main component of the dish. The sage dressing adds a delicious herbaceous flavor that complements the tofu perfectly.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) tofu
2 tbsp arrowroot
3 tbsp Vogue VegeBase
0.75 tsp sea salt
0.25 tsp white pepper
1.5 tsp agar flakes or 1 tsp agar powder
2 tbsp barley malt syrup
2 tbsp water

Sage Dressing

0.5 cup finely diced onions
0.5 cup finely diced celery
0.5 cup finely diced carrots
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp unrefined corn oil
0.5 tsp ground sage
0.25 tsp dried basil
3 tbsp Vogue VegeBase
1 tsp sea salt
0.13 tsp black pepper
1 cup water
2 cup cubed dry whole wheat bread

How to prepare

Wash the tofu, pat it dry, and cut it into small pieces.
Put the tofu, arrowroot, soup base, salt, pepper, and agar flakes in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Oil and flour the loaf pan (or line it with baking liner paper after oiling).
Spread a layer of tofu paste inside the pan, lining the bottom and all four sides. Use all but about 1 cup of the paste.
Firmly but gently press the dressing into the pan, on top of the tofu paste "liner".
Try to avoid displacing the tofu.
Cover the dressing with the remaining tofu, carefully sealing the edges.
Cover the pan with foil, making certain the foil doesn't come in contact with the tofu.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Then remove the foil cover, glaze the top of the loaf with the dissolved barley malt syrup, turn the oven up to 450°F, and continue baking for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool for about 10 minutes.
Unmold, slice, and serve hot with a sauce of your choice.

Sage Dressing

Sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in oil for 5 minutes.
Add the sage, basil, soup base, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for 5 minutes longer.
Add the water and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the bread crumbs and cook for a few minutes.
Lastly, remove from heat.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the sage dressing for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the barley malt syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet glaze on top of the loaf.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before using it in this recipe to remove excess moisture and improve the texture of the loaf.

- Be gentle when spreading the tofu paste in the loaf pan to ensure that it forms a solid base for the dressing.

- Glazing the top of the loaf with barley malt syrup adds a sweet and sticky finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thanksgiving Day Tofu with a side of cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cornstarch or tapioca starch instead of arrowroot.

- Substitute vegetable broth for Vogue VegeBase.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tofu loaf and sage dressing ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the tofu loaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Thanksgiving Day Tofu with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a delicious holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Thanksgiving Day Tofu is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a holiday celebration. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thanksgiving Day Tofu is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With a savory tofu loaf and sage dressing, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday favorite for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Thanksgiving Day Tofu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always creating delicious meals with ingredients she had on hand. One day, as we were preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, she pulled out a block of tofu from the refrigerator and began to work her magic.

I watched intently as she diced the tofu into small cubes and marinated them in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup. She then baked the tofu in the oven until it was golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside. The aroma that filled the kitchen was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As we sat down to dinner that evening, I took my first bite of the Thanksgiving Day Tofu. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - savory, sweet, and bursting with flavor. I couldn't believe that tofu, a food I had always thought of as bland and boring, could be transformed into something so delicious.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a dish, and she smiled knowingly. She told me that she had first discovered the recipe many years ago, when she was a young bride living in a small town. A neighbor had shared the recipe with her, and she had been making it ever since.

Over the years, my grandmother made the Thanksgiving Day Tofu for our family every year, and it became a beloved tradition. The dish was always a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and it never failed to impress our guests.

As I grew older and began to cook for myself, I made sure to learn the recipe for Thanksgiving Day Tofu from my grandmother. I continued to make it for my own family, passing down the tradition to the next generation.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing for another Thanksgiving dinner, I can't help but think back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Thanksgiving Day Tofu. It reminds me of my grandmother, who taught me so much about cooking and life, and who continues to inspire me every day.

I am grateful for the memories we shared in the kitchen, and for the delicious recipes she passed down to me. And as I sit down to enjoy another serving of Thanksgiving Day Tofu with my loved ones, I know that my grandmother's spirit lives on in every bite.