Mar 02, 2010: Tofu Tuesday Taco Filling

This week I'm using fried tofu is used as a extender for ground beef tacos.

The advantage of tofu is protein content. Three ounces of the fried tofu provides 24 g of protein with 14 g of fat, while three ounces of 85/15 ground beef provides 16 g protein and 14 g of fat.

Ingredients
6 oz Fried Tofu (minced)
2 Clove Garlic, minced
1 Onion, diced
1.5 lbs 85/15 Ground Beef
1 Packet Taco Seasoning
0.75 C Chicken Stock or Water

Fried tofu seemed to be a logical choice for for tacos.


Used a food processor to mince the tofu.


Saute the garlic and onion with the tofu. Since tofu is a little bland, the onions should impart some flavor.


After a minute, add the ground beef and break apart while cooking.


After 5 to 10 minutes, add the taco seasoning and stock.
Note: After much experimentation with trying to make my own blend of taco seasoning, I found the package stuff to be better and more convenient.

Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.


The Dish
I kept dinner rather simple.. rice cooked with Goya Cilantro and Achiote (annatto) seasoning and canned beans.

Ground beef burrito... rice, beans, taco filling, salsa and cheese.


Extra rice and beans on the side. A relatively quick dinner with plenty of leftovers for lunch.

Spring +8 days = Snow ?

It's 8 days into spring and it's been snowing all day.
The ground temperature and surround is above 32F so nothing is sticking.

Spring Tulips are starting to bloom, but snow this late in the year?
Intersting that this year the tulips are a solid bright yellow... last year the tulips where pink and yellow. Must have to do with the pH of the soil.



For dinner I had one fresh chicken breast remaining... quickly made fajita tacos.

1/2 onion, sliced
1/3 bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1/3 C Salsa
1 T oil

Heated oil and sauteed the onions, garlic, bell pepper and chicken together with a few sprinkles of salt and a couple grinds of black pepper, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Added the salsa, stirred and covered to let the chicken finish cooking, about 3 to 5 minutes.


The Final Dish

Steamed the tortillas in the chicken mixture for about 30 seconds.

Dressed with green chile salsa, lettuce and the chicken "fajita" mixture.
Sprinkled a little shredded cheddar cheese for flavor.


Overall, very simple, quick and delicious. :-)