Vegetarian in Boston

It’s one of those evenings: cold sun about to set, still sweater weather, and I’m experiencing ominous chills.

Fortunately, the fridge is full of tofu (literally, 5 blocks) and fresh veggies, and the cilantro begs to be used before dying. It’s also true that the pantry barely closes as at least fifty different spices compete for attention, and achieve to get it. Not ambitious, I just want healthy, easy food. Colors. Some warmth and spiciness to feel better. Something everyone likes.

Well, for those nights it’s good to have go-to weeknight vegan staples. No-stir tofu with veggies is one of mine.

Indeed, there’s no need to stir this pot! It all goes in the air fryer and comes out golden, fragrant, and best of all — ready. Tofu, veggies, olive oil, garlic, ginger and other spices are all you need. It works, doesn’t require a lot of attention, and best, it doesn’t crumble.

Ingredients

1 block of tofu, pressed if you have the patience, cubed

1/2 head of broccoli

1/4 head cauliflower

15 (ish) brown mushrooms

2 small yellow peppers or 1/2 large one

2 small red peppers or 1/2 large one

10-15 baby carrots or one large carrot

2 cloves garlic

1/2 inch piece of ginger

Soy sauce

Olive oil

Your favorite light curry spice mix (or turmeric, coriander and cumin)

Dry herbs

Red pepper flakes or 1/2 finely minced green chili, if you like (remember to wash your hands)

Salt (if still needed) and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cube the (preferably pressed) tofu
2. Cut up all the veggies slicing carrots, mushrooms, peppers, and cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets; finely chopping the garlic and the ginger; set broccoli aside (it will burn if you cook it as long as the other ingredients)
3. Place all the ingredients but the broccoli in a large bowl and add a couple dashes olive oil and soy sauce, then the dry spices (coating everything this way will give a bit of a crust to your “stir” fry)
4. In a silicone air-fryer dish, air-fry the tofu and the veggies except for the broccoli for about 10 minutes at 385 F
5. Stop the air-fryer l, change the temperature to 350 F (or even less), and add the broccoli for the last 3 minutes, stirring it in
6. That’s all. Top with fresh cilantro, serve as is, or on a bed of brown rice.

If you’re feeling chilly, this should warm you up, with or without chili peppers! Have a nice Thursday evening, or Friday morning, as the case may be.