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GREEN GODDESS BOWLS WITH FARRO & PEPITA LIME SAUCE

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A welcome return to the simplicity of bowl food. As summer begins its slow wind down, I can’t help but think of returning to more of our cherished and ingrained routines. Things like cooking at home more often, focusing on meals (as opposed to nonstop snacks), taking a couple hours on the weekend to plan dinners and prep some components ahead of time. I’m the kind of person that thrives in a state of routine, especially when it comes to what I eat. It helps to maintain a certain level of calm in my life 🙂

These green goddess bowls feel so deeply nourishing. The star of the show is the pepita lime sauce for sure. If you’re skeptical about steamed kale, I’ve got you covered because once you smother those leaves in this sauce, you’ll be craving steamed kale on the regular.

Our base is cooked whole farro, one of my favourite grains. It’s nutty, chewy, and seriously satiating. It pairs perfectly with all vegetables. I cook large batches of Flourist’s whole farro in my Instant Pot, let it cool completely, and then I freeze portions of it in resealable silicone bags or containers. Then I can quickly throw it into recipes like this butternut squash farrotto or this bright green harvest salad with broccoli rabe.

I’m still soaking up all the peaches and heirloom tomatoes that summer has to offer, but also slowly leaning into that quieter mode of living that’s focused on routine. How about you?

GREEN GODDESS BOWLS WITH PEPITA LIME SAUCE RECIPE

SERVES: 4
NOTES: I cook farro more often now that I have an Instant Pot. I make big batches, cool it thoroughly, and store it in the freezer in sealed Stasher bags or containers. It takes 40 minutes on the stove, which isn’t exactly weeknight-friendly. I give both options in this recipe, but if you aren’t on team Instant Pot yet, I hope that I can convince you 🙂
-For a gluten-free option, cook quinoa, brown/black rice, or millet according to package directions.

PEPITA LIME SAUCE (makes extra):
¾ cup toasted pumpkin seeds, soaked for at least 1 hour (plus extra for garnish)
¼ cup flat leaf parsley OR cilantro leaves, lightly packed
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon agave nectar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon light miso
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup filtered water, plus extra

GREEN GODDESS BOWLS:
1 cup whole farro
1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets
1 bunch kale (any kind), stemmed and chopped
1 ½ – 1 ¾ cups cooked chickpeas (1 15oz can, drained and rinsed)

Make the pepita lime sauce. First, drain the soaked pumpkin seeds. In a high speed blender, combine the drained pumpkin seeds, parsley, garlic, cumin, agave nectar, miso, lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and water. Run the blender’s motor on high until you have a smooth and pourable sauce, adding more water if necessary. Check the sauce for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Sauce keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

Once the sauce is done, prepare the farro on the stovetop OR in the Instant Pot:

STOVETOP: Combine the farro, 1 ½ cups of filtered water, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the farro to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Simmer the farro, covered, until all water is absorbed, about 40 minutes. Fluff the farro with a fork.

INSTANT POT: Combine the farro, 1 cup of filtered water, and a pinch of sea salt in the Instant Pot insert. Give the mixture a stir. Secure the lid on top and ensure that the vent is in the SEALING position. Set the Instant Pot to PRESSURE COOK on high for 22 minutes. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the vent. Fluff the farro with a fork.

Place a medium saucepan or braiser with 2 inches of water on the stove over medium heat. Close the lid on top and bring it to a simmer. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Place the steamer basket into the saucepan and close the lid. Steam broccoli until just-tender, about 5 minutes. Then, stuff all the chopped kale into the steamer basket as well and close the lid. Steam the kale for an additional minute.

Assemble the green goddess bowls. Divide the farro and chickpeas among 4 bowls. Top the bowls with the steamed kale and broccoli. Liberally drizzle the pepita lime sauce on top. Finish with extra pumpkin seeds and lots of salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately!

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Vegetarian Research

High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.

close up of vegetarian enchilada skillet in a bowl

We’ve been having unusually warm weather lately, but I’m still in winter mode, and even hoping for at least one more snow.  Our whole family had the flu last week and it was brutal.  There were a few days where no one even left the bedroom, and I certainly wasn’t doing much cooking.  Now that I’m feeling better, I’m catching up on my favorite comfort foods, and this Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is at the top of the list!  Each serving is packed with about 30 grams of protein, it’s easy to make and freezer friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet

  • Hearty and filling – This enchilada skillet recipe is packed with tofu, black beans and cheese making it a filling dinner that the whole family can enjoy.  Each serving has about 30 grams of protein, making it a great meat free balanced dinner.  Serve with a side salad or chips and salsa.
  • It’s packed with flavor – If you like enchiladas, you will love the flavor of this easy skillet dinner.  It gets loaded with warm seasonings and fire roasted tomatoes.   Make sure to use a well seasoned enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Made in One Pot – This recipe can be made in one pot using an oven-safe skillet. If you don’t have a skillet that can go directly into the oven, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and then top with cheese before placing in the oven.

showing how to break the tofu into bite sized chunks and cut the corn tortillas into pieces

Why Your Body Will Love This Cozy Meal

  • Blood Sugar Regulation – Black beans are high in fiber and protein, giving them a low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes black beans a healthy choice for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels more. They also keep you feeling full for a longer period of time since they digest slowly.
  • Protein – Tofu is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to build muscle and repair tissues. Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per half a cup, making it a great plant-based ingredient to incorporate into your diet.  Black beans are also a great source of plant based protein.
  • Bone Health – Tofu contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which play a huge role in ensuring you grow and maintain healthy bones. Tofu is also rich in isoflavones, which are compounds found in plants that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis, among other things.

showing how to assemble and cook the skillet enchiladas with tofu and black beans

Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet Recipe Ingredients

  • Tofu – I like to use this high protein, super firm tofu that I get at Trader Joe’s.  I think that both Sprouts and Walmart have similar kinds.  If you can’t find super firm, extra firm will work great, just make sure to press as much liquid out of it as you can before using.
  • Black Beans – I used two cans of black beans, which equals about 3 cups total.  Black beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans, if needed.
  • Enchilada Sauce – I used red enchilada sauce, but green can also be used.  I like the Hatch brand of enchilada sauce, but any brand can be used.  The more flavor the better!
  • Spices – I also like to add my own flavors to make sure the tofu isn’t bland.  I added cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.  If you don’t already have those spices on hand, you could use a couple tablespoons of taco or chili seasoning mix.
  • Corn Tortillas – Yellow or white corn tortillas can be used in this recipe.  Flour tortillas can be used, but they tend to get soft and kinda slimy once mixed with the enchilada sauce.  The corn tortillas mix in nicely and hold their texture a little bit better.
  • Cheese – I like to use colby jack but any kind of cheese will work.  Add pepper jack cheese if you want some heat!

tofu and black bean skillet enchiladas before and after they have been baked in the oven

How To Make This Satisfying Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside. 
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

dinner bowl with high protein tofu and black bean enchiladas topped with fresh cilantro

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This recipe is already gluten free, just make sure that the enchilada sauce you use is certified gluten free.
  • Make this recipe vegan by using a vegan cheese substitute that melts well.
  • Is there a substitute for the tofu?  If you’d rather not use tofu in this recipe, you can use crumbled tempeh, another meat substitute, or just double the amount of beans added.
  • Is this enchilada skillet freezer friendly?  Yes, this meal can be frozen before or after it has been cooked.  Use a freezer friendly, air-tight, container and freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before heating, or heat from frozen.
  • How long do leftovers last?  If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.
  • Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!

A serving spoon scooping up some of the tofu enchilada skillet

Looking For More Vegetarian Dinner Recipes?

Mediterranean Tortellini Bake

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza

Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice

Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Parmesan

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High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet


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  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    45 minutes


  • Yield:
    4-6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sized yellow onion, diced
  • 1 (16 oz) package super firm, or extra firm, tofu (pressed if needed)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, yellow or white
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with most of the liquid drained out
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired



Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Notes

If you want to add extra veggies to this recipe, add them in at the same time you are adding in the onion and tofu.  Bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini would be great additions.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican Inspired

 

The post High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet appeared first on She Likes Food.

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