Consider this post a big hug for whoever invented the concept of breakfast for dinner. Without them, I would have starved this week. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this week has been crazy! Tuesday, I stayed late after work to practice yoga with one of our psychologists, who happens to be a yoga instructor. Once I got home, I had about 30 minutes before driving across town for a private practice apppointment, so dinner was a quick scramble of potatoes, leftover grilled vegetables and eggs. The next day, we went to a pumpkin carving party, where my husband created the most epic pop culture pumpkin of all time. For dinner, we enjoyed our friends delicious homemade chili, but since I didn't cook dinner, I had no leftovers for lunch the next day. So, it was eggs again, this time hard boiled and paired with whatever random bits I could find in the refrigerator. Last night completed our trifecta of breakfast foods. I came home late after shopping for someone special's birthday today and threw together fajita hash browns topped with an avocado, tomato and feta salsa. At least this time it was slightly fancier.
Tofu scrambles are a fun vegan take on scrambled eggs. I learned the trick after trying tofu heuvos rancheros at a cute little vegan cafe. Since then, I've made more than a few variations as a quick weeknight dinner. The little bit of turmeric even makes them look like eggs.
Speaking of turmeric, did you have any idea how awesome it is? If you're not familiar with the spice, turmeric is a bright yellow spice with a light flavor reminiscent of ginger. Studies examing the health benefits of turmeric and it's primary active compound, cucurmin, have shown a multitude of benefits.
- Rat studies show tumeric and cucurmin may reduce blood glucose
- India has a dramatically lower rate of Alzheimer disease and some studies indicate their regular consumption of tumeric may be part of the reason why.
- Due to it's anti-inflammatory effects, tumeric has been researched as a treatment and preventative for both rheumatiod and osteoarthritis.
- Tumeric and cucurmin may kill cancer cells. Evidence for an anticancer benefit is especially strong for breast cancer and melanoma.
- There are few medical treatments for liver disease, so the fact that turmeric may prevent liver scarring in chronic liver disease is especially exciting.
- The production of heterocyclic amines, a carcinogenic compound formed by cooking foods at high temperatures, may be inhibited by turmeric.
If you've never used turmeric before, there are many ways to incorporate it into your diet. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine, so curry is a good start. You could also sneak turmeric into smoothies or use it to make tea. I often cook brown basmati rice with turmeric to impart a lovely yellow color (my favorite color if you can't tell!). Stir a few pinches into scrambled eggs or sauteed potatoes and onions. However you use it, make sure your meal has a little fat in it, which helps your body absorb all the good stuff.
Indian Tofu Scramble with Spinach
Adapted from Food & Wine Magazine
Serves 4
1 lb firm tofu, drained
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
1 bunch of spinach
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
100% whole grain naan or pita, warmed
Harissa
Wrap the tofu with a clean dishtowel or paper towels, place on a plate and cover with a heavy skillet or can. Let sit for 30-60 minutes to drain, then crumble.
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 12 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook about 30 seconds, then add cumin, coriander and tumeric and cook another 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with naan and harissa.
Stir in tofu and cook until warmed through , about 3-5 minutes. Add spinach and scallions and cook until wilted.
No comments:
Post a Comment