A delicious & healthy Thai inspired meal and is totally satisfying and hearty without being heavy. The coconut milk creates a creamy essence and Red Curry Paste lends deep flavor, color and heat.  This dish makes a perfect lunch or dinner to enjoy throughout the week!

Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu and Roasted Vegetables [Vegan]

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Serves

4 -6 servings

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

  • 6 cups assorted vegetables:
    • 1 medium zucchini,
    • 1/2 large yellow pepper,
    • 1/2 large red pepper,
    • 10 spears fat asparagus,
    • 1 cup snow peas
    • 1/2 large onion
    • 1 large shallot
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil* for roasting
  • Option: 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts – to add to cooked sauce; do not roast

For the Sesame Tofu:

  • 1 block firm tofu (organic) 16 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, or neutral oil*
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Red Curry Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons Red Curry Paste
  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 teaspoon pure cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 can coconut milk, 13.5 ounces, not “lite”
  • squeeze fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves or mint leaves

Preparation

Make the Sesame Tofu:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cut the tofu block in half lengthwise. Add paper towers to a cutting board, add the 2 pieces of tofu; top with paper towels and cover with a weight, such as a heavy pan for about 15 minutes to press it.
  3. Cut tofu into even 1″ cubes. Place them in a medium sized bowl.
  4. Add the melted coconut oil or neutral oil and give a gentle toss to coat.
  5. Add sesame seeds, garlic powder and salt. Stir gently to coat. Add the cornstarch, stir gently to coat.
  6. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes, or until a touch golden. Set aside.
 

To Roast the Vegetables:

  1. Cut the vegetables you choose into even sized pieces (see Blog for photos.)
  2. Place them on a rimmed sheet pan, add the oil and combine. Sprinkle with a little salt & pepper. (Hint: add veggie varieties in the same area of the pan in case some roast more quickly – you can remove them.)
  3. Roast the veggies for about 15 minutes, or until golden around the edges – turning them once.
  4. Set aside.
Make the Red Coconut Curry Sauce: 
  1. Add the coconut or neutral oil to a large skillet or wok. Raise heat to low.
  2. Add the ginger and garlic and stir for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons Red Curry Paste (this is a bit spicy, cut down here if you desire), the sugar and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, cook 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the sauce until reduced and thickened, about 20 minutes. Add sliced water chestnuts if using.
  4. Add a splash of lime juice, taste the sauce for salt.
To Serve the Dish:
  1. To individual bowls, add a good portion of sauce, add a serving of vegetables – top with sesame tofu.
  2. Garnish with mint or basil leaves
 

Notes

* with concerns about gmo’s and processing of oils, use a vegetable oil which has not been chemically treated, this is called “expeller pressed.” Note: Red curry paste is a cook’s lifesaving ingredient – two tablespoons transforms this fragrant sauce.



    About The Author

    Karen Sheer

    See My Recipes

    Inventive, original, and well-tested favorites from a professional kitchen that anyone can make. Karen Sheer is a professional chef, writer, caterer, photographer and food consultant specializing in original recipes. Her blog is A Zest For Life – Karen’s Obsession with Food and Style. Karen’s recipes are written to give you the feeling that she is in the kitchen with you coaching step by step. Health and wellness are her passions. Her focus is using the best possible ingredients and learning new and trusted techniques from cuisines the world over. Karen’s recipes promote fresh, local ingredients which lead to a healthier lifestyle!

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