Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I truly believe that we eat with our eyes first and when my eyes saw the Garden of Eatin’ blue corn taco shells on the store shelf my tummy started chanting…I want tacos. There is something so whimsical and enchanting about blue corn that it made an ordinary quickie dinner like tofu tacos extraordinary and a meal worthy of a dinner party or a quiet evening in. Sandy has been dying to create a beef taco from tofu so she made taco seasoned tofu crumbles.  The entire meal was ready in about 15 minutes.  Quick, satisfying and good for you.

Toppings?  A dollop here, a scoop there, lots of color to make them appealing to look at and consume.  Yes, we used plenty and shared those below, but the rest is up to your imagination as tacos are best when you put all of your own favorite toppings on them.

Photo By: S. Duquet

Reimagined Tacos

by S. Boulton and S. Duquet

Ingredients

14 oz package of extra firm tofu

1 tsp of chili oil

spray oil to mist the saucepan

1 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp cumin powder

1 tbsp liquid aminos or soy sauce

1/4 cup water

1.25 oz package of taco seasoning (will use about 2/3)

4 blue corn hard taco shells (we used Garden of Eatin’and they were magnificent)

Optional toppings (these are the ones we used, add your favorites)

shredded vegan cheese

chopped tomatoes paired with fresh cilantro and an avalanche of fresh black pepper

guacamole (this time we used our favorite store bought as a time saver)

vegan sour cream (we used Tofutti)

your favorite salsa

Make it Happen

Drain and press the tofu to remove as much water as possible.  Pat dry.  In a medium size saute pan, heat a mist of oil spray and the chili oil.  Crumble the tofu with your fingers (I do this right over the pan, so if anything drops, it goes right in the pan).  Simmer the tofu (keep crumbling with wooden spoon) with the garlic and cumin for about 5 minutes.  Stir in the liquid aminos and continue simmering another 2-3 minutes.   Add the water and taco seasoning, stir thoroughly and heat an additional 2-3 minutes. The finished taco filling will be a medium golden color.

Photo BY: S. Duquet

Scoop the tofu taco crumbles into warmed taco shells and add your favorite toppings.  Serve with a side of refried beans crowned with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.

Have a delicious day.

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