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Creamy Tomato Orzo Recipe with Crispy Tofu Cutlets

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A comforting, plant-based dish featuring creamy tomato orzo paired with crispy tofu cutlets. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use vegan Parmesan)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 block firm tofu (pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture and slice into 1/2-inch thick cutlets.
  2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; one with plant-based milk; and one with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each tofu slice into the flour mixture, then into the milk, and finally coat it evenly in breadcrumbs. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tofu cutlets until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the orzo. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Add dried basil and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Plate the creamy tomato orzo and top with crispy tofu cutlets. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

[‘Press tofu properly to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.’, ‘Toast orzo in olive oil before adding liquids for a nutty flavor.’, ‘Add a splash of water or broth if the orzo starts to look dry while cooking.’, ‘For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sea salt on tofu cutlets after frying.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato orzo, crispy tofu cutlets, vegetarian recipe, plant-based dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-tomato-orzo-recipe-with-crispy-tofu-cutlets/