Braised Tofu and Leafy Greens with Roasted Baby Turnips
This recipe is perfect on a chilly spring evening. It doesn’t require exact measurements - when you’re done you shouldn’t be stuck with random bits of leftover ingredients - just throw them all in!
Ingredients
- 5-6 Baby Turnips (1 bunch)
- 1 t Vegetable Oil
- 1 Sweet Onion, chopped (1 medium)
- 10 C Various greens, such a Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens and Kale
- 2-3 Parsnips, sliced into ¼” discs
- 2-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1-2 t Fresh Ginger, either grated or minced
- 1 C Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
- ¼ t Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 14 oz Firm Tofu (1 block)
- Kosher Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Soy Sauce
Instructions
- 1 Slice The Bottoms Off The Turnips: Slice the bottoms off the turnips, leaving at least ¼“ of the stem intact, and clean with a vegetable brush under running water. Save the green leaves for braising.
- 2 Toss With 1 T Oil And: Toss with 1 t oil and some salt and pepper.
- 3 Roast At 400 Degrees For 20-30: Roast at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a sharp knife.
- 4 Slice The Block Of Tofu Lengthwise: Slice the block of tofu lengthwise into two cakes. Wrap in clean tea towels and set a heavy pan on top.
- 5 Trim The Tough Stems Off The: Trim the tough stems off the greens, and thoroughly wash then lightly dry to remove excess water. Chop coarsely.
- 6 Heat 1T Oil In A Large: Heat 1T oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 7 Add The Onion And Saute Until: Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- 8 Add The Parsnips, Ginger And Garlic: Add the parsnips, ginger and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until very fragrant.
- 9 Add Black Pepper And Crushed Red: Add black pepper and crushed red pepper to taste.
- 10 Add The Greens And Vegetable Broth: Add the greens and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- 11 Cover And Cook, Stirring Occasionally, Until: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are almost tender but definitely undercooked, about 20 minutes. They will finish cooking while the tofu braises with them.
- 12 While The Greens Are Braising, Preheat: While the greens are braising, preheat a well-seasoned cast iron pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (no oil!).
- 13 Remove The Tofu From The Towels: Remove the tofu from the towels. Cut each cake in half diagonally to make 4 triangles.
- 14 Add The Tofu To The Pan: Add the tofu to the pan, ensuring the pieces do not touch (they would stick together).
- 15 Cook On Each Side Until Lightly: Cook on each side until lightly browned, occasionally gently pressing any moisture out with a spatula.
- 16 When The Greens Are About 5: When the greens are about 5 minutes from being done, add the tofu and submerge in the liquid.
- 17 Cook About 5 Minutes, Or Until: Cook about 5 minutes, or until the tofu has swelled slightly and the greens are tender.
- 18 Season With Salt: Season with salt.
- 19 Serve Immediately By Putting Some Greens: Serve immediately by putting some greens on the plate, top with a piece of tofu, and a turnip sliced into quarters. Season with soy sauce, to taste.
Pro Tips & Delicious Variations
- This dish is best lightly salted, letting each person season to their preference.
- Be sure not to add salt until the very end or your greens will turn grey from the salt ‘over-cooking’ them.
- The first time you make this, you will figure out how well you like your greens cooked. Some people will cook them for 45 minutes or more, while others cook just until the fibrous texture is softened - as brief as 15 minutes.
- The “pot liquor” is the remaining broth, and makes an excellent addition to many other dishes, such as rice and stews.