Tofu: A Blank Canvas That’s Anything But Bland
Creamy tofu scramble, pickled red cabbage & cucumber, avocado, and a crisp slice of sourdough. This is a reminder of how simple ingredients can turn into a meal that you look forward to, that grounds you and makes you feel GOOD!
I’ve always been a fan of tofu. Not just because of its impressive nutritional profile, but because of how it invites you to get curious. It’s like a blank canvas — neutral in taste but ready to pick up any flavors you pair it with — absorbing a squeeze of lemon, a hint of sea salt, the warmth of jeera (cumin).
But beyond the flavors, it is a reminder of something I come back to again and again — nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simple, adaptable, and completely your own. You don’t need to follow a recipe, you just need to know a few basics.
How to Make Tofu Delicious: Quick, Simple Ideas
1. The Basic Pan-Cook:
Crumble or slice tofu, pan-cook it with a little salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
I love adding a touch of ajwain or jeera (carom or cumin seeds) for digestion and flavor.
Pair it with any bowl—avocado, fresh greens, or a crunchy salad.
2. The Scramble (Your Way):
Indian-Style Bhurji: Just like paneer bhurji—onions, tomatoes, fresh coriander.
Herb & Veggie Style: Try it the way you’d make scrambled eggs—parsley, peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms.
Always add a good fat for flavor and nutrition (avocado, olive oil, or a touch of ghee).
3. Dressed Up:
Make a quick dressing and pour it over lightly cooked tofu.
Some favorites:
Balsamic-Olive Oil + Sea Salt.
A fresh pesto drizzle.
4. My Favorite Secret:
Miso. One small spoonful, mixed with a little water, becomes a rich, umami sauce that transforms tofu.
I drizzle it over freshly cooked tofu, finishing with toasted black sesame seeds. It’s savory, warm, and a little bit indulgent.
But It’s Not Just About the Recipe.
For me, tofu is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity. The way a neutral ingredient can become whatever you want it to be. The way you don’t have to follow a perfect recipe, just a few basics and your own taste.
Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it. It’s about letting yourself play.
So if you’ve always thought of tofu as bland or boring, maybe it’s time to see it differently. Pick up a block, start with something simple, and notice how you feel!