Category Archives: Vegan

Jimami Tofu Recipe: How to Make Okinawan Peanut Tofu

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Jimami tofu (peanut tofu) with Sweetened Soy Sauce
Jimami tofu (peanut tofu) with Sweetened Soy Sauce

I first had jimami tofu (peanut tofu) when traveling in Mei Prefecture in Japan. Locals invited us over for a delicious breakfast consisting of miso soup, steamed rice, mango, kurobuta sausage, sweet Japanese omelet, pickled plums in honey, jimami tofu, and green tea. The tofu was unlike any other tofu I’ve ever had, bursting with peanut flavor in a sweet, savory sauce. At first, I assumed the sauce gave it the peanut flavor—since tofu usually takes on the flavor of the ingredients it’s paired with. Later, I found out that jimami tofu isn’t actually tofu—since it’s not made with soybeans; rather, it’s made from peanuts! It’s called tofu because it looks and feels like tofu.    read more

Red Pepper Hummus

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Red Pepper Hummus, Roasted Red Peppers, Pita Chips, Chickpeas

Hummus is one of the oldest foods in the world. In fact, it is believed that chickpeas were  being cultivated over 7000 years ago in the Middle East. The exact origin of hummus remains a mystery, since its long history. However, it is most often theorized as coming from the Middle East. The name hummus actually means chickpea in Arabic. You might also hear chickpeas referred to as garbanzo beans, which is the Spanish translation. There are endless variations of hummus and today I present you with one of my favorites: Red Pepper Hummus.

Featured Ingredient: Roasted Red Peppers

If you’ve ever bought roasted red peppers in the store, you know that they can be quite pricy. I’m going to give you the tools to make your own roasted red peppers at home. Not only are they more economical, they’re tastier as well.

First wash and dry the peppers, making sure to remove any stickers. Next place the peppers directly on your gas range over medium high heat. Char all sides evenly.

Roasted Red Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, gas range

Once evenly charred on all sides (the pepper should be primarily black), transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. This allows the peppers to steam and makes the skin easier to remove. Steam for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Roasted Red Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Steaming

After the peppers have steamed and are cool enough to handle, begin rubbing the skin off with your hands. It should come off easily. There will be a huge temptation here to wash the skin and black flakes off. Resist this urge, as much of the smoky flavor will be lost if rinsed.

Homemade Roasted Red Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Red Pepper Hummus

Now cut off the tops of the bell pepper with a paring knife. Gently remove all seeds from the peppers.

Making Homemade Roasted Red Peppers, Red Pepper Hummus, Red Bell Peppers

You now know how to make your own homemade roasted red peppers!!

If you do not have a gas range, you can still make roasted red peppers. Place them on a pan lined with aluminum foil and broil them, watching them constantly. When the skin has become blistered and charred, turn. Repeat until all side are sufficiently charred. After the peppers are roasted, follow the method above.

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