Tofu Gumbo

Tofu Gumbo Recipe - Classic Cajun Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tofu Gumbo is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the traditional flavors of gumbo with the healthy and versatile tofu. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Gumbo is a traditional dish that originated in Louisiana and is a staple in Creole and Cajun cuisine. It typically consists of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, and vegetables. Tofu Gumbo is a modern twist on this classic dish, replacing the meat with tofu for a healthier and plant-based alternative.

Ingredients

1 tbsp minced garlic
0.5 onion, diced
0.25 cup dijon mustard
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.25 cup peanut oil
0.25 cup cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 lb (454 g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
3 tbsp plus 0.25 cup canola oil
0.5 onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 green pepper, diced
0.5 red pepper, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup diced canned tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 bay leaves
2 cups vegetable stock
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.25 lb (113 g) okra, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
0.5 cup all-purpose flour

How to prepare

1. In a large bowl, combine garlic, onion, mustard, cayenne pepper, peanut oil, vinegar, and brown sugar. Place tofu cubes in the mixture and marinate for 2 to 24 hours.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, peppers, and garlic until onions are translucent and vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, thyme, oregano, basil, bay leaves, stock, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet and sauté okra until light brown. Remove from skillet and add to the tomato mixture.
4. Drain tofu, keeping diced onion. Reheat skillet and sauté tofu until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and add to the tomato mixture.
5. Heat the remaining 0.25 cup of oil in the skillet and whisk in flour. Continue whisking the mixture, or roux, until it is light brown and smells slightly nutty, for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Reheat the tomato mixture over medium heat and stir in the roux 1 tbsp at a time. Continue to stir until the gumbo has the consistency of gravy. Remove from heat and serve over white corn grits soufflé.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken for a non-vegetarian version of this dish.
Use different vegetables such as okra, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the tofu for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent to enhance their flavors.

- Whisk the roux continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency.

- Serve the gumbo over white corn grits soufflé for a delicious and comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tofu Gumbo over white corn grits soufflé for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the tofu for maximum flavor absorption.

- Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and caramelized.

- Whisk the roux continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of peanut oil for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute soy sauce for dijon mustard for a different umami flavor.

- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the tofu and prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.

- Store the gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tofu Gumbo in a bowl over white corn grits soufflé for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tofu Gumbo with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

- Serve with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tofu Gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 22g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 14g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 70%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Tofu Gumbo is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. However, it does contain peanuts, so it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Tofu Gumbo is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of gumbo with the healthy and versatile tofu for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy this dish with white corn grits soufflé for a complete and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned from visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had recently moved to New Orleans. She had always been a fantastic cook, and I was eager to hear all about the culinary delights of the city.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on sweet tea and catching up on old times, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly jumped up with excitement. "I almost forgot!" she exclaimed, disappearing into the pantry. She emerged moments later, holding a tattered old cookbook in her hands. "I want to share something special with you," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

She flipped through the pages of the cookbook until she landed on a recipe for Tofu Gumbo. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and ingredients. Mrs. Jenkins explained that it was a traditional Creole dish, typically made with chicken and sausage, but she had adapted it to make it vegetarian-friendly by using tofu instead.

She guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, showing me how to sauté the onions, bell peppers, and celery until they were soft and fragrant. She then added the tofu, okra, and a blend of spices that filled the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma. As the gumbo simmered on the stove, we chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

When it was finally ready, Mrs. Jenkins ladled the steaming gumbo into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took my first spoonful and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and rich textures. The tofu had absorbed the savory broth, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Tofu Gumbo became a staple in my own kitchen. I perfected the recipe over the years, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at the unique blend of flavors and the comforting warmth it brought to the table.

As I look back on that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of that recipe. It not only introduced me to a new and exciting dish but also sparked a love for experimenting with flavors and ingredients in my own cooking. Mrs. Jenkins may have been the one to show me how to make Tofu Gumbo, but it was her generosity and passion for sharing her culinary knowledge that truly inspired me to become the cook I am today.