Why do so many usually open-minded, intelligent, aware people hate on tofu? For example, if I tell people that some dish contains tofu, it won't get touched. I brought a tofu dish to a work holiday party and the only person to touch it was the other vegetarian. If I say that same dish has cheese (tofu is often a substitute for ricotta cheese, if crumbled, farmer's cheese or paneer cheese), it will disappear in a matter of minutes and I hear for months on how amazing that dish was. I don't want to lie to people to get them to eat tofu! (I only did this once to people I no longer work with.) Tofu is delicious, but it gets a bad rap. I admit, plain, raw tofu is an acquired taste and tofu is a politicized food. I'm the only one of my tofu-loving friends who eats tofu straight out of the package. It's often seasoned, cooked, baked and prepared in a variety of ways that make it a great addition to any meal. This idea that vegan dishes are some how less than meat dishes is at the heart of the issue. Just because a dish doesn't have meat or dairy in it, doesn't mean it can't possibly be any good.
End Rant.
Curried Tofu Salad
1 package or extra firm tofu, crumbled
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1/2 a small green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup of cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of curry powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients listed. modify spices to suit your tastes. Spread on a toasted baguette or other crusty bread.
Viva Tofu!
