Hezbollah Tofu Time!

This was originally Veal Tongue with Madeira. Disgusting and cruel. Just when I think Bourdain can't take it further, he does. Made with tofu and a few adjustments this turned into a delicious and killing-free dinner. Take that, Bourdain!

Tofu Tongue with Madeira
Serves 3 - 4

Tofu and Marinade
1# block of extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1/8ths
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup madeira wine (or port, or sherry)
1/4 cup tamari
2 Tbsp mirin
1 Tbsp agave
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp fresh thyme
pepper

Sauce
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp earth balance
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 leek, cut in quarters and finely chopped
1 carrot, cut in thin half moons
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced thinly (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh thyme
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
2 Tbsp flour
reserved marinade, adding broth (if needed) to equal 1 cup
salt and pepper to taste

Marinate cut tofu in the olive oil through pepper ingredients for a few hours or preferably overnight. Remove tofu from marinade (reserving the marinade) and bake on a lightly oiled cookie sheet at 400 degrees for half and hour. Turn them over partway through cooking. While baking, prepare the sauce.

Heat the oil and earth balance over medium heat. Add the onion and leek and saute a few minutes until it just started to look translucent. Add the carrots and mushrooms and saute another few minutes. Add the herbs and flour, stirring and cooking to remove flour taste. Add the marinade/broth cook until thickened. Adjust salt and pepper, if needed.

To serve, spread sauce on plate, top with tofu and garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs.

I just can't get over that tongue idea. Thankfully, I've never had tongue (or veal) in my life so I can't really say if the baked tofu approximates the texture or not... but it sure tastes great!

Next up: Lapin (rabbit!!!) with Picholines

Be sure to check out Hezbollah Tofu for other great recipes! Don't miss the t-shirt post!