Description
This Turkish-inspired baked tofu crumble recipe delivers a flavorful and protein-packed plant-based dish perfect for a quick and easy meal. The tofu is grated and mixed with aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice, then baked to create a savory crumble that mimics the texture of ground meat. Served with a tangy non-dairy yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables in pita bread, it’s a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Tofu Crumbles
- 32 ounces super firm tofu, grated (908g)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup diced or 80g)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine (20g)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup non-dairy yogurt (225g)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 4-6 Pita Bread
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup mini cucumbers, thinly sliced (120g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced (150g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lightly coating it with olive oil. Set it aside to be ready for the tofu mixture.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, and optional red chili flakes. Set this spice blend aside for later use.
- Combine Tofu and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the grated super firm tofu, diced yellow onion, finely chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice and Half of Spices: Pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice along with half of the prepared spice mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Incorporate Remaining Spices and Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining spice mix followed by the olive oil, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined and the tofu mixture is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Bake Tofu Crumbles: Spread the tofu mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tofu crumbles are slightly golden and fragrant.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce (Optional): In a separate bowl, combine the non-dairy yogurt, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Stir together until smooth and set aside.
- Assemble Serving: Once baked, add the tofu crumbles to pita bread or flatbreads along with the optional yogurt sauce, diced red onion, sliced mini cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes to create a delicious sandwich or salad topping.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of chili flakes based on your preferred spice tolerance.
- Grating the tofu helps achieve a crumbly texture similar to ground meat, but you can also crumble by hand if preferred.
- Use super firm tofu to avoid excess moisture and ensure crumbles bake properly.
- Non-dairy yogurt can be coconut, soy, or almond-based depending on your preference.
- The dish can be served warm straight from the oven or at room temperature for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
