Garbage Tofu

Ah, yes, Garbage Tofu, a very common dish in our home. For a while, a brief while, I had the name changed to Variety Tofu to give it more dignity, but my children resoundly outvoted me, and so the moniker Garbage Tofu lives on. This meal is different every single time I make it because it is comprised of anything and everything that I happen to have on hand, including leftovers of any kind, small portions of casseroles, nuts and seeds, strange sauces, beans, veggies, small bags, jars or boxes of stuff that need to be used up, you just never know. Now, I do try to make it tasty. I won't add blackberry jam with leftover green curry sauce...or will I? Usually, I add one to two cups of various ingredients with the tofu, stir it with a sauce or a smattering of seasonings, and put it on the table. Those are the times it's really fun being a mom and wife, watching your family eat what you place in front of them. But, let's not be cruel, let's try to make it taste good, people! Below, you will see my latest version, which actually went over so well, that my oldest blessing forgot it was the garbage dish and asked for it again! So, this one might be a keeper.

Garbage Tofu

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. of olive oil
2 pkgs. of extra-firm, tofu, water-packed, either diced or smashed - this time I diced my tofu
Any one to two cups of oddball ingredients that you are brave enough to throw in the pan. For this dish I used about 1/2 cup leftover cauliflower, 1/2 cup leftover fried potatoes, about 1 Tbs. of capers, 1 4oz. can of sliced mushrooms, 1 Tbs. ground flax seed, and 2 Tbs. soy sauce.

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the tofu, being careful not to get hit with splattering water/oil. Turn up the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally, until tofu begins to brown, about ten minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, lowering heat to medium. Cook for about five or so minutes, until everything is heated through. Depending on what you throw in, it can be served alone or over rice. I served this one with a fresh fruit salad made with apples, mandarin oranges, bananas and strawberries. It can be very tasty, if you've begun to master what flavors blend well. Feeds five hungry vegans.