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Tofu Provençal: A Mediterranean Escape – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Tofu Provençal: A Mediterranean Escape

A simple, plant-based dish capturing the vibrant, savory flavors of Provence. This Tofu Provençal is a beautiful marriage of textures and tastes, featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, creating a rustic yet elegant meal that comes together in just 40 mi
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g / 0.53 oz) minced garlic
  • 1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
  • Large pinch saffron threads (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) fresh marjoram, oregano, or thyme, or 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) dried
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1.06 oz) drained capers
  • 2 cups (475 ml) chopped tomato (canned is fine), with juices
  • 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) good-quality black or green olives, pitted
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds / 680 to 900 g (31.7 oz) firm to extra-firm tofu, cubed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Tofu Provençal
  • For the best texture, start with pre-fried tofu (like Crispy Pan-Fried or Deep-Fried Tofu) before adding it to the sauce.
  • Bulk up the dish by adding 1 cup (240 ml) of cubed zucchini or eggplant along with the onions and peppers.
  • Use high-quality olives like Kalamata or Niçoise for a truly authentic and robust Provençal flavor.
  • Avoid using store-bought pressed or smoked tofu with Asian-style marinades, as their flavors will clash with the Mediterranean sauce.

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about one minute until it just begins to color.
  3. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet.
  4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
  5. Stir in the saffron (if using), your choice of herb, and the capers.
  6. Add the chopped tomatoes with their juices and the pitted olives.
  7. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  8. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Gently add the tofu cubes to the sauce.
  10. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tofu is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce.
  11. Taste the dish and season with salt if needed and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 22gFat: 25g

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