Awhile back, I debuted my version of vegan shrimp and grits on these pages, and it quickly became a mainstay in our recipe rotation. The combination got me to thinking – why not put together a vegan tofu and grits recipe that capitalized on all the best parts of both?
So, today, armed with a recipe for tofu fish sticks from VeganLunchbox.com, I set out on my quest. I’ve made the tofu fish sticks plenty of times, but why oh why had I never thought to put them together with grits? Why must I deprive myself of these things and suffer so? (Hee.)
Tonight, that all changed. I put the tofu sticks together per Jennifer McCann’s recipe (more or less – I left out the almonds and lemon juice and didn’t fool with putting the breading into the food processor) and let them bake for 15 minutes on each side. In the last 15 minutes of baking time, I prepared the vegan cheese grits just the way I like them!
First, I boiled four cups of water and then added in a cup of grits with a pinch of salt. Then, a few minutes into the cooking time, I added a can of diced green chilies to the pot. Then several minutes later I added several tablespoons of tomato sauce. And finally, just as the grits were thickening up and nearly finished, I stirred in a cup of Daiya cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until it was melted and blended nicely.
Then LeeLee and I piled our plates high and began to chow down! The tofu turned out quite nicely (if I do say so myself); I always forget how the breading adds a whole new depth of flavor and texture to tofu! The kelp granules gave it a seafoody taste without being overly fishy, and the cornmeal provided a nice Southern undertone to the lot. And the cheese grits – well, y’all know how I feel about a good cheese grit! And these were VERY good, I must admit.
Also, let’s not downplay the beauty that is dipping one’s tofu into one’s cheese grits. The best of all worlds!
No leftovers for lunch tomorrow because we mowed everything down pretty nicely, but that’s OK. I’ve got some strawberry jam from the springtime just waiting to be put on a sandwich instead!
:)