sweet versus spicy

So, we had a bunch of great fresh veggies left at the beginning of the week, and a block of tofu, but weren't in the mood for a stir fry. Do we want something spicy? Salty? Sweet? Savory? We couldn't really decide so we put it all into one dish- a little yin and yang if you will...

Ingredients:
Spicy tofu:
1/2 block super firm tofu, cut into quarters, either triangles or rectangles
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Sweet Tofu:
1/2 block of super firm tofu, cut into quarters, either triangles or rectangles
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder


Sweet Tofu: Combine liquid ingredients and garlic, mix well. Marinate the tofu in a container for 30 minutes to an hour. Make a little foil bowl on a cookie sheet (see above) and pour in the tofu and marinade.

Spicy Tofu: Combine all spices and coat each side of the tofu with the rub. Place on foil (sprayed with olive oil) on the same cookie sheet with the sweet tofu. Bake both together in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18 minutes, flipping once.


Ingredients:
Spicy Green Beans:
1 lb green beans, rinsed and trimmed
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced ginger
2 Tbsp water
1 tsp (or more) red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Orange Napa Cabbage:
1 head napa cabbage, cut into 1 inch slices
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp black and white toasted sesame seeds
salt and pepper

Orange Napa Cabbage: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cabbage and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Make sure to pay attention to sauteing cabbage as it is delicate and may burn quickly, just keep turning it and adjust the heat if necessary. The cabbage will lose about two-thirds of its volume after 5 to 7 minutes. Add the orange juice, drizzle with honey, and toss gently to incorporate. Remove from heat and reseason with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Spicy Green Beans: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add green garlic, ginger, and chili flakes and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add green beans and toss until covered with spicy garlic and ginger goodness. Add water and cover, cook for 6 minutes until beans are steamed and bright green, checking every 2 minutes or so and giving a toss or stir to avoid burning. Season with salt and pepper and serve.


Here it is: Orange Napa Cabbage topped with Spicy Tofu, served with Sweet Tofu over Spicy Green Beans!

p.s.: There was an interesting article on CSA farms on Slate.com today. Check it out.