Hey there, spice lovers and healthy food adventurers!
Ready to inject some serious flavour into your life? I'm super excited to share a recipe that’s not only a taste sensation but also a nutritional powerhouse - my take on Harissa Tofu with Herby Couscous! Inspired by the smoky heat of North African cuisine and my desire for quick and nutritious meals, this dish is a total game-changer.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
This isn't your average tofu bowl, folks. We're talking crispy, golden tofu glazed in a sticky, spicy harissa sauce that’s sweetened with maple syrup and brightened with lemon, all served on a bed of fluffy, herby couscous that’s full of fresh flavours and textures. The beauty is that, even though the dish sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal.
And the best part? It’s completely vegan, packed with plant-based protein, and offers a gluten-free option. Whether you're a dedicated herbivore, a flexitarian, or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s also easily adaptable, so you can add your own spin to it.
Ingredient Spotlight: The Stars of the Show
Let’s break down what makes this dish so vibrant:
- Harissa Paste: This is where the magic happens! It’s a Tunisian chili paste that brings smoky heat to the dish. I like to use the smoked chili version, it adds a depth of flavor that's totally addictive. Remember, different brands vary in spice level, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- Tofu: Our protein-packed hero! We're going for firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. A quick fry or bake in the oven will give it a delightfully crispy crust.
- Herbs: A generous mix of fresh parsley and mint adds a burst of freshness to the couscous, plus some lemony zest. If you're a coriander (cilantro) fan, feel free to use that in place of the parsley, or mix them all together!
- Maple Syrup: This is our natural sweetener. It balances the spiciness of the harissa, creating a rich glaze.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice are used in this recipe. The juice provides a lovely acidity to cut through the richness of the glaze, while the zest gives a bright citrussy lift to the couscous.
- Vegan Cream: It adds a creamy texture and mellows the sauce. A splash of oat cream works wonders.
- Couscous: The perfect base! It’s quick to prepare and soaks up the flavors. If you're avoiding gluten, quinoa or brown rice work wonderfully too.
- Chickpeas: Adding some chickpeas makes the dish more substantial and boosts the protein content.
- Spring Onions: These add a lovely subtle savory flavor to the couscous. You could also use a finely diced red onion soaked in hot water for a milder flavor.
- Spices: Just a bit of cumin and smoked paprika for the tofu to deepen the flavors.
How to Make it:
- Prepare the Couscous: Pour boiling water over the couscous, cover, and set aside. While that’s cooking we chop our other ingredients.
- Crispy Tofu: Press the tofu, cube it, season and coat it in cornstarch. Fry or bake until golden brown and crispy.
- Harissa Glaze: Gently fry garlic and ginger, then add the harissa paste, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vegan cream. Thicken with a bit of cornstarch slurry.
- Combine: Toss the fried tofu in the harissa glaze. Let it coat every cube!
- Assemble the Couscous: Once the couscous is cooled, add the herbs, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and chickpeas.
- Serve: Place the herby couscous into bowls, and top with the glazed tofu. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavour explosion!
Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of harissa paste to suit your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Use quinoa or brown rice instead of couscous.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra veggies.
- Yogurt Topping: A dollop of vegan yogurt can cool down the spice if needed.
Let's Get Cooking!
This Harissa Tofu with Herby Couscous is a must-try. It's a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and fresh flavors, it's packed with nutrients and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you're cooking for yourself, or a crowd of friends this recipe has you covered. So, gather your ingredients and let's get cooking! And if you make it, don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Happy cooking, and happy eating!