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Spice-Crusted Tofu

This is one of our favorite tofu dishes, and I haven’t made it in a few years. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, because it comes together pretty quickly, and the toasted pine nuts sprinkled over top give it a nice bit of crunch. This time around, I accidentally used half-sharp paprika and it was MAJORLY spicy. Oops! I served this with No-Fuss Sweet and Spicy Carrot Salad and Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts and Parmesan.

Spice-Crusted Tofu

Spice-Crusted Tofu
Eating Well Spring 2004

3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu
3 tablespoons boiling water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
2. Mix paprika, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drain tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Cut crosswise into 8 1/2-inch-thick slices. Dredge the tofu liberally with the spice mixture, coating all sides. Mix boiling water, lemon juice and honey in a small bowl.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; swirl to coat the bottom. Add tofu and cook on one side until brown and crusty, 4 to 5 minutes; flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the honey mixture to the pan (it will bubble up and evaporate very quickly) and shake to coat the tofu. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the toasted pine nuts.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional notes:
Per serving: 206 calories; 15 g fat (2 g sat, 4 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 2 g fiber; 248 mg sodium.

Big Flavors Rating: 5 Stars

Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.

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