Peanut Tofu Buddha 'Bowl'

Who says that all proteins are solely derived from animal products? FALSE.

There are many protein rich foods for vegetarians and vegans, rivaling the protein content of meat products.In fact, plant protein has the advantage of containing reduced saturated fat associated with meat protein. A nourishing, flavor-packed plate with maple-glazed sweet potato, crispy peanut tofu, stir-fried black beans and garlicky kale; all drizzled in the most incredible peanut sauce.

⏱ Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 2 | Difficulty: Medium

PART 1 — MAPLE GLAZED SWEET POTATO

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sweet potato, chopped into cubes

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tbsp pink Himalayan salt

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with foil or baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt.

3. Add the sweet potato cubes and stir until fully coated.

4. Spread onto the baking tray and roast for 30 minutes until golden and tender.

PART 2 — PEANUT BAKED TOFU

INGREDIENTS

• 390g extra-firm tofu, pressed

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

METHOD

1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture — wrap in a clean tea towel, place a heavy pan on top and leave for 30 minutes.

2. Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and marinate in soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 160°C, line a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden and firm.

PART 3 — PEANUT SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup creamy organic peanut butter

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 tsp chilli garlic paste

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

  
  

METHOD

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth and saucy.

2. Once the tofu is out of the oven, dress generously with peanut sauce and garnish with toasted white sesame seeds.

PART 4 — STIR-FRIED BLACK BEANS

INGREDIENTS

1 can Jamaican black beans, drained

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until caramelised.

3. Add the black beans and spices and cook for a few more minutes until warmed through.

PART 5 — SAUTÉED KALE & GARLIC

INGREDIENTS

∙ 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped

∙ A generous handful of kale, roughly chopped and massaged with high quality extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

1. Massage kale with the EVOO

2. Add the garlic and kale to a pan & sauté until the kale is crispy and garlic is fragrant

TO ASSEMBLE

Build your bowl with the sweet potato, peanut tofu, black beans and kale. Add sliced avocado dressed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish with extra peanut sauce and sesame seeds!

ADDITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

• Swap kale for spinach or pak choi

• Add steamed jasmine rice or quinoa as a base for extra sustenance

• No black beans? Chickpeas work beautifully

• Make extra peanut sauce, it keeps in the fridge for a week and goes with everything!