Quinoa Crusted Tofu

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

For the Quinoa Crusted Tofu:

• 200 grams firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 50 grams quinoa 
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Hung Curd Dressing:

• 100 grams hung curd (strained yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Procedure:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Cook then let it cool completely. Once cooled, lightly toast it in a dry pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Let it cool.
2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
3. Pat the tofu cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. 
5. Roll each tofu cube in the cooked quinoa, pressing gently to ensure the quinoa adheres well.
6. Place the quinoa-coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa crust is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tofu halfway through the baking time for even crispness.
8. In a bowl, combine hung curd, lemon juice, chopped coriander leaves, minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve the crispy quinoa-crusted tofu with the hung curd dressing on the side. You can also drizzle the dressing over the tofu or use it as a dipping sauce.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Quinoa Crusted Tofu provides a host of nutritional benefits. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and contains essential amino acids, calcium, and iron, supporting muscle health and bone strength.
• Quinoa, used as a crust, adds extra protein and fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
• The hung curd dressing, made from strained yogurt, offers probiotics that aid in digestion and boost gut health.
• Lemon juice and fresh coriander add vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to overall immune support and skin health. Together, this dish combines protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for a balanced diet.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 468 kcal
• Protein: 28.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
• Fat: 20.7 g