Coconut Curried Tofu with Green Jasmine Rice

Coconut Curried Tofu with Green Jasmine Rice
Bon Appétit January 2003

Hey There!

I was looking for a good recipe to use up the abundance of cilantro in my kitchen-garden. I swear the stuff grows like a weed 4 seasons out of the year for me. I omitted the cherry tomatoes because they are out of season right now and used organic brown basmati rice. I found this recipe tasty, but a little on the sour side. I think I was expecting the sweeter coconut milk curries I've experienced at Thai restaurants. Despite it's lack of "sweetness" I'd definitely cook this recipe again. And, if you are like me, always on the hunt for a new way to cook tofu-it's worth the effort to try this recipe. Oh yeah, and much thanks to Kate L. for turning me on to Epicurious.com a few years ago. Enjoy!

In Health,

Miss Jolie Ann

Coconut Curried Tofu with Green Jasmine Rice

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/COCONUT-CURRIED-TOFU-WITH-GREEN-JASMINE-RICE-107640

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut*

1 3/4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

1 cup (packed) coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

3/4 cup unsweetened light coconut milk**

4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained, patted dry, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

2 teaspoons curry powder1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

1 cup whole small cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Preparation: Stir shredded coconut in small nonstick skillet over medium heat until light golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl.

Bring 1 3/4 cups water and salt to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Stir in rice; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, puree cilantro, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 teaspoon ginger, lime juice, and half of garlic in blender. Mix puree and coconut into rice. Set aside.

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add tofu; stir-fry until golden, about 6 minutes. Add onions, curry, cumin, red pepper, remaining ginger, and remaining garlic. Stir-fry 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and remaining coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide rice among 4 plates. Top with tofu mixture. Sprinkle with peanuts.

*Available at specialty foods stores and natural foods stores.

**Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

Nutritional Information
Per serving: calories, 433; total fat, 20 g; saturated fat, 5 g; cholesterol, 0