Vegan Couscous With Grilled Tofu

Today was Costco day again when I get to run into Marc's mother's kitchen while she's gone and whip up some lunch.

We have certain ingredients to use so this ended up in couscous.

I know there is a variety of couscous dishes that are popular in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. I think that because of how neutral it is like pasta, it could go with just about anything.

Couscous is made from semolina wheat so if you are gluten intolerant or just want to avoid it than a good alternative would be quinoa. I just have this and pasta once in a while. I try not to consume gluten although I don't have a noticeable intolerance.

Vegan Couscous With Grilled Tofu

• 2 cups couscous

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 sweet potato

• 1 green or red pepper (I like green ones)

• 1/2 red onion

• 1 medium tomato

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1tablespoon lemon juice
  

• 2 cups fresh spinach
  
  I normally am not the biggest raisin fan but I like adding it occasionally to a savory dish as I did in this case.
  

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steam or boil diced sweet potato and carrot until tender. Meanwhile slice onions and peppers and grill in a very hot pan. I didn't use oil but it was fine in a non stick pan. The peppers should not lose their color.

To cook the couscous, boil the vegetable broth or water and slowly pour in mixing with a fork to keep from clumping. Turn off heat cover and let sit for five to ten minutes.

Drain the sweet potatoes and put in a large mixing bowl. Toss with couscous, raisins, peppers and red onions.

Grilled tofu
Marinate the tofu in 1/8 cup soy sauce,1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar. 1/4 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke(optional)

After twenty minutes to half an hour add tofu and liquids to a hot pan and cook on high for ten minutes than turn to low heat. Cook until liquid is gone.

I added the spinach at the end just to wilt it and also the tomato.

This was the last lunch of the returning travelers quarantine, and now begins the regular lock down. I have never felt healthier in my life, despite my aching heart over the situation. This would also have been my father's birthday if he were living, and as awful as it sounds, I'm glad he only saw the world the way it was.

Hope you are all doing great and thank you for dropping by!