General Tao Tofu

Recipe by vegan chef Jean-Philippe Cyr

4 servings

1 block (454g) firm tofu, cubed

¼ cup cornstarch

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, finely diced

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons soya sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon Sriracha

3 green onions

¾ cup vegetable broth

sesame seeds

Mix cubed tofu with cornstarch in a bowl.

Heat oil in a skillet at medium high heat. Add half the tofu and fry, turn them over occasionally until crisp.  Place a piece of paper towel in a plate and put the crispy tofu in the plate to drain the oil while you cook the rest of the tofu.  Add a bit of oil as needed.

Once all the tofu has been crisped, put garlic and ginger in the pan and mix with a wooden spoon for 1 minute.

Add the maple syrup, soya sauce, ketchup, Sriracha, vegetable broth and green onions and let simmer to slightly reduce and thicken.

Add crispy tofu and mix well to reheat the tofu.

*Serve on brown rice with steamed broccoli, sautéed red bell peppers and onions.  Sprinkle with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

BIG BATCH TURKEY CHILI

(14 PORTIONS)

3 tbsp canola oil
900 g lean ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
160-mL can tomato paste
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 796-mL cans whole plum tomatoes
2 540-mL cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cups frozen corn kernels
grated cheese

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and crumbled, about 7 min.

Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until soft, 5 min. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook for 3 min.

Crush tomatoes with fingers, then add to pot. Add beans, red pepper and corn, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cook over medium-low heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavours have deepened, about 40 min. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as grated cheese, sour cream, green onion and cilantro.