Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto with Crispy Tofu - Robust Recipes (2024)

Ingredients

UnitsScale

• Crispy Tofu
• 1 package extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce (or tamari, or coconut aminos)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon corn starch (or arrow root starch)
• Mushrooms
• 16 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
• 8 ounces sh*take mushrooms, sliced (can use any variety you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt
• Risotto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay)
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock, or veggie stock
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florrets
• 1 tablespoon each fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, chopped ( or sub 1 teaspoon dried)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablepoon corn starch (or arrow root starch)
• (Optional): Crispy Sage
• 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 to 8 fresh sage leaves

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1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. And line a medium rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper Set aside.
2. Drain tofu: Drain the tofu from water (at this point you can use a tofu press if you have one and skip the next step) cut the tofu into 1 inch bite sized cubes. Place the cubes on a few layers of paper towels or a clean, lint free kitchen towel, cover the top with more paper towels or the other end of the kitchen towel. Place a cutting board on top of the tofu and place 2 to 4 heavy jars or cans on top of the tofu. Allow the tofu to dry out while you prepare the other ingredients. If you have time to do this step 30 minutes in advance it is best for resulting in a crispier tofu, but okay doing at beginning of recipe.
3. Prepare veggies: At this time chop veggies as instructed above and place into separate bowls so that they are waiting for you.
4. Make Cauliflower rice: Add the cauliflower florets to a food processor, process until the cauliflower resembles rice (you only need to pulse a few times) – work in batches if necessary. Set aside.
5. Cook the tofu: Toss the drained tofu in a bowl with olive oil and the gluten free soy sauce/tamari until the tofu is well coated. Add the corn starch/arrowroot powder and toss until well coated. Transfer to the medium baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake closest to the heat source for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping half way through. The tofu is done when it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy.
6. Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the mushrooms to the pan and saute, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are tender and have browned – season with salt. Remove from the pan into a dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
7. Saute the onion: To the still hot pan add the olive oil and the onions and a good sprinkle of salt. Saute until the onions are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
8. Make the risotto: Once the garlic is fragrant add the wine and broth, turn up the heat a little so that the liquid comes to a low simmer. Add the cauliflower rice, give it a good stir and add the herbs. Allow the cauliflower rice to simmer for 5 minutes or until the cauliflower rice has become tender (but not mushy) and a lot of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Make a corn starch slurry: In a small dish mix the 1 tablespoon of corn starch with a little water or broth to remove any lumps. Stir it into the risotto and allow the corn starch to thicken for a minute – this makes everything creamy. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the last tablespoon of butter.
10. Optional step – Make the crispy sage:This can be done while the risotto is finishing up cooking. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the fresh sage leaves and allow them to fry until they look crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them onto a plate lined with a paper towel to drain, Pour the now tasty sage infused butter into the risotto for extra flavor!
11. Serve: Spoon the cauliflower risotto into bowls and top them with the sauteed mushrooms, crispy tofu, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with the crispy sage leaves (if using). Serve immediately.

Wine: The alcohol from the wine does cook off so this dish is safe for kids or pregnant woman. I do recommend the wine because it adds a lot of flavor to the dish. however, if you want to omit the wine than add in an extra 1/2 cup of chicken or veggie stock.

Shortcut: Sometimes grocery stores sell cauliflower rice in bags, that would also work as a shortcut. Just don’t use frozen cauliflower rice. I imagine it would be mushy.

Vegan/dairy free option: To keep this dish vegan replace the butter with vegan butter, and use veggie stock. You can either omit the Parmesan cheese (although, it may not be as creamy), or use a vegan version such asthis recipe.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in separate containers. Reheat the cauliflower rice and the mushrooms in the microwave. Reheat the tofu in a nonstick skillet with a little oil for extra crispy tofu!