Spinach is a leafy green vegetable, which is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Tofu is a plant-based protein, made from soybeans. It is a great source of protein, iron, and calcium. When combined, spinach and tofu make a delicious and healthy meal. This article will provide you with a recipe for a light spinach pasta with tofu, which is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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LIGHT SPINACH PASTA WITH TOFU
A simple and light spinach with pasta recipe which I make for lunch at least once a week. My oven doesn't work so this is baking free!
Provided by directions
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Boil pasta according to package directions but only till its almost done.
- Wash and clean the spinach and steam with a little water for 4 minutes in the microwave.
- Once it is steamed, blenderize it with the same water to get a spinach paste which is kind of watery
- In a large non stick skillet, heat oil.
- When oil gets hot, add the chopped garlic.
- When the garlic is slightly browned add the onions and stir fry till the onions turn brown.
- Add the tofu and stir fry till the tofu changes color a bit and looks slightly as if it has been fried.
- At this point add the red pepper flakes/powder and stir. Immediately add the the spinach paste
- Let it simmer.
- Add salt.
- When the water from the spinach reduces add the semi cooked pasta and let it cook completely. If you think more water is needed add that.
- I don't add cheese, but can also do the last step in the oven with mozzarella on top.
- I like this hot and cold--tastes good every way.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.7, Fat 6.3, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 23.4, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 3.2, Protein 7.3
TOFU SPINACH LASAGNA
No one will guess tofu is buried in the layers of this delicious lasagna! The slimmed-down classic comes from Christine Laba of Arlington, Virginia.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, Preheat oven to 350°. In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add mushrooms; saute until tender. Set aside., Drain tofu, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Place tofu and reserved liquid in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Add ricotta cheese; cover and process for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt and mushroom mixture. Combine spinach and remaining salt; set aside., Drain noodles. Spread half of the marinara sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with three noodles, half of the tofu mixture and half of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers of noodles, tofu and spinach. Top with remaining noodles and marinara sauce. Sprinkle with cheeses. , Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted, 30-35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 429mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
TOFU-STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Your gang won't even miss the meat in this hearty pasta dish from Jenni Dise. The Phoenix, Arizona reader jazzes up tofu with cheese, spinach and garlic for unbeatable flavor. Accented with a hint of red wine, an easy tomato sauce completes the entree.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the tofu, 2 tablespoons Romano cheese and garlic; cover and process until smooth. (Add 1 tablespoon water if mixture is too thick.) Add spinach; process until blended. Drain shells; stuff with tofu mixture., In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce and wine. Spread about 1/2 cup sauce in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange stuffed shells over sauce. Top with remaining sauce. , Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Romano cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until shells are heated through and cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 262 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 754mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
TOFU WITH SPINACH SAUCE
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories dinner, weekday, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Trim and wash spinach; do not dry. Chop leaves in one-inch pieces. Cut tofu in two horizontally and wrap in paper towels. Put it under a couple of plates.
- Put butter or oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. A minute later, add ginger, garlic and chilies and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic begins to color.
- Stir in garam masala or curry powder and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until it wilts, then add yogurt and a cup of cream. Pick out chilies and discard.
- Cook mixture over medium-high heat; liquid in spinach will boil off. When mixture is nearly dry, cut tofu into half-inch pieces and incorporate. When tofu is hot, add remaining cream and cook for another minute or two, stirring. Adjust seasoning and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 446, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely before using.
- Don't overcook the spinach: Spinach cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked spinach will become limp and lose its flavor.
- Use a good quality olive oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, so be sure to use a good quality oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice, as it has the most flavor.
- Season the pasta water: Salting the pasta water helps to flavor the pasta. Be sure to add enough salt so that the water tastes slightly salty.
- Use a large pot: You'll need a large pot to cook the pasta and spinach. A Dutch oven or large stockpot is ideal.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When cooking the pasta, be sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will prevent the pasta from cooking evenly.
- Drain the pasta well: After cooking the pasta, be sure to drain it well. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming watery.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is made. The pasta will start to lose its flavor if it sits for too long.
Conclusion:
This light spinach pasta with tofu is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is easy to make and packed with flavor. The tofu adds a protein boost, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. This dish is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
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