Simple Measure

You want simple? I mean, really braindead cooking? OK. Because I have the perfect thing for that. For when you’re too tired/sickly/busy/uninspired to do much more than “heat.”

It’s where I was at yesterday. Feeling a little sickish, ready to go eat and curl up under a blanket and pass out. Pretty exciting Friday night material, huh?

So here it goes: Couscous. Peas. A little warmed tofu, spiced up with cinnamon and chile garlic paste. I’ll show you:

Brrrriiiiipppp. (That’s you, ripping open the couscous packet.)

Scrnnchscrnchhscrnnch. (Now you’re opening a can – that’s right, a can – of peas. Pretty sweet!)

Fssspphhhtttttt. (Look at that tofu heat up. So easy!)

OK. 15 minutes later, and you’re done. Go eat, and then find your favorite curling-up-and-vegging-out blanket. (You totally have one.)

Couscous with Peas and Tofu
I must tip my hat to Jared for originally laying down this dish. Good job, Metzner.

1 block firm tofu, pressed and drained, then cubed

1 package instant couscous (Can’t really go wrong with Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil.)

1 15 oz. can sweet peas (think Le Seur, or Westbrae Naturals.)

1 Tbs. tamari or liquid aminos (you might want less or more, depending on how flavored you prefer your tofu to be.)

1 tsp. chile garlic paste (Huy Fong Foods makes a great version.)

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Splash of vegetable oil

Freshly ground pepper

1. Take your pressed and cubed tofu and coat it with the tamari, chile garlic paste and cinnamon. Doesn’t hurt to let it sit and marinate for a few minutes, but if you’re in a hurry, you can move directly to the heat n’ serve stage.

2. Follow package instructions and cook the couscous. Usually they call for added oil and butter to the water, but I leave that part out. It’s just as tasty, without the extra fat added. This takes about 10 minutes, start to finish.

3. In the meantime, heat up just enough vegetable oil to keep your tofu from sticking to the pan. Sauté the tofu over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add the peas and continue to heat for another 5 minutes or so, or until everything is hot enough for your liking.

4. Serve the tofu mixture over couscous, and a little black pepper.

Serves 3