If you think these look like classic ground beef tacos, I have done my job. (( Smiles smugly to self. ))
This recipe was originally created for the book that Anne and I wrote “101 Things to do with Tofu,” and I share it here with you updated just a bit. (( Hey! I add Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce to most every recipe now. ))
Lauren, a fabulous young food blogger, emailed me recently and asked if I had some suggestions for her to incorporate tofu into everyday dishes. Boy Oh Boy – kind of like asking Paula Deen if she has any recommendations for fried foods. (( Let us count the ways . . .)) So, Lauren, thanks for the email and for getting me craving these delicious veggie tacos once again! I decided a Meatless Monday post was in order!
This filling is fabulously flavorful and has a texture similar to classic ground beef taco filling, but is 100 per cent vegetarian, in fact – it’s even vegan! If you are like me and are making resolutions for the New Year to eat less meat, this is a perfect recipe to start with. I like it even BETTER than the traditional spiced hamburger taco filling. It is softer and has less of that ground beef “gristle” taste. I promise: Even the most dedicated carnivores will love this healthy substitute for ground cow! Try it out on your favorite carnivore and go ahead and TRY to prove me wrong!
There are countless benefits, say the Mayo Clinic researchers, to eating less meat. But let’s just all admit right now that Americans eat much more meat than they need to. Enough said. With fab and frugal ways to cut back on meat like this taco filling, why would you not cut back? Amen! to the Meatless Monday folks, who point out that less meat consumption reduces heart disease, lowers risk of cancer and helps fight obesity. ((HOLY COW! **Pun intended!**))
The combination of soy sauce, peanut butter and spices, mostly chile powder and cumin, turns crumbled tofu into one of those “I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Meat” kind of recipes. It is a magical concoction.
This is a great thing to have on hand to make a quick Desperation Dinner – so I like to keep some small zip lock baggies of this magical stuff in my freezer. This stuff makes great sloppy joes and last-minute spaghetti sauce!
Happy Less-Meaty New Year to all!
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