A salad of smoked tofu

 

Working from home can present some, albeit few, challenges. Admittedly I see only positives most days - no bra; getting dressed at midday if you like; starting work ridiculously early so as to spend the afternoon doing something you really want to - but I must say, a recent trip beyond these lovely, high walls proved that I have let myself go just a little over winter. It's all too easy to snack at will when your kitchen doubles as an office. Prowling the pantry hourly for an apricot here, a cashew or ten there, starts to add up. It's little wonder that my favourite pants, the ones that make actually make my bum look rather good, no longer do.

If I'd not been heavily ensconced in some heavy-duty working from home yesterday, I wouldn't have had to interact with nor indeed to lie to complete strangers.   

Dressed in non-threatening shades of pink and blue, two women rang the bell at our front gate yesterday mid-morning. I, unwashed and hair typically a-mess, answered their call with a small terrier barking uncontrollably at my side and, somewhat inexplicably, a toothbrush in my right hand. Politely (perhaps timidly is more accurate) the braver of the two held a small book lovingly in her palm and asked if I'd like to talk about The Bible. So I told them, again somewhat inexplicably, that 'round here, we are Jewish. Which is mostly truthful. In a way.

They were off before I could even get the dog to calm down.

With spring (supposedly) in the air, I'm ready to tackle this expanded girth of mine. In an effort to feel more in tune with longer, warmer days, and get energized about our impending move, I'm shifting this neglected winter bum into gear. If only so as to shoehorn it into those flatteringly good trousers again, some time soon. I see salads, more protein and far less sugar in my immediate future.

 

Lighter, fresher, brighter flavours to make the task ahead seem just that bit more enjoyable.

Smoked tofu, mango and avocado salad, for one

Based on an idea gleaned from Colin Spencer's entertaining collection of essays, Vegetable Pleasures. Smoked tofu has a deep, strong flavour yet the creamy avocado and slices of sweet mango rather than being overwhelmed, stand up to it admirably. Quick, pretty and satisfying.

1 shallot (golden eschallot)
1 lime
Sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil
Sugar or agave syrup
Toasted sesame oil
Rocket (arugula)
1 perfectly ripe, juicy mango cheek
1/2 a ripe, firm avocado
6 thin slices of smoked tofu

Peel and chop the shallot as finely as you care to, then place in a small dish. Juice the lime over the top, add a generous pinch of salt and leave for 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 a teaspoon of sugar/agave and a drop or two of the sesame oil. Whisk well and set aside.

Arrange a handful of rocket on a plate. Hold the mango cheek in your palm and carefully slice it lengthways without piercing the skin. Scoop out with a large spoon. Repeat with the avocado half.

To serve, fan the fruit and tofu out over the rocket, alternating as you go. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the dressing over the top and eat. Easy. The remaining dressing will keep for a day or so if refrigerated.

This goes to out Holler at Tinned Tomatoes who is hosting the September edition of No Croutons Required.

Comments

[Ganga VegeYum]

Oh, good luck on your move! I have loved the light that I see in your photos from this house and the way that you have talked about it - I bet it will be a loved abode in your memories for some time to come. But a new place - like a new beginning! New challenges, new opportunities, new inspiration! Can't wait to hear about them all.

I love smoked Tofu, and 5 spice pressed tofu too. Yum.

[docwitch]

Weirdly, after years of being an avid tofu-eater, I've only just gotten with smoked tofu, and I'm sold. I'm definitely going to give the salad a go. The mango and avo would make it lush and indulgent, whilst still being uber-healthy.

As usual, your photos are exquisite.

[Sophie]

I'm with you Lucy - I find just the same thing when I do a long stint working from home. I start off relatively neat, then a few weeks in I'm virtually welded into my favourite fleecy jumper and have permanent bed hair. The problem with the eating I find is not so much that I eat lots more, but that I move so much less :-(

Still, as you have so ably demonstrated, the good part is that you can make some delicious, healthy salads really easily, served crisp and fresh

[Johanna]

There is something so right about wanting to eat better in Spring when we have so many good fruit and veg starting to come into season - just as nature intended!

I laughed at your comments to the visitors - my grandmother says to them - if you don't try and convert me, I wont try and convert you.

Sometimes distractions when working at home are welcome (trips to the pantry and the post box) and sometimes (esp telemarketers) they are such a pain! Home made lunch is such a nice distraction - esp when as tasty as your salad

[Ricki]

I know what you mean abour working from home and summer's arrival (though I had that experience a few years ago, now). I do love the image of you at the door with the madly barking dog by your side (go, Poppie!).

The salad looks marvelous. I've been hunting down smoked tofu over here and think this is what I'll make when I find it.

Good luck with the move and the workload!

[holler]

I did enjoy your post Lucy! I too am like that on many of my days off. I get narky is someone comes to the door when I am being a slob.

Thank you for the salad. The line-up and voting poll will be posted at Tinned Tomatoes, tomorrow.

Good Luck

Holler :)

[Destiny]

For the life of me, I can't find smoked tofu. I know that someplace here has to have it (Portland), but it has eluded me thus far.

What a great looking salad! Good luck on your health kick; I'm working on all that stuff too. :o)

[Cindy]

All the best on your trip back to those favourite pants! I have similarly been trying to give my eating habits a nip and a tuck (if not a complete overhaul) during the past week. If smoked tofu and avocado are still on the menu it can't all be bad, right?

[Anh]

Lucy, I am with you. I am not so productive at home either, especially with my PhD work. But well, things are changing for me.

And I love the combo of salad you have there! I normally throw sliced smoke tofu in a stir-fry of bean sprouts and spring onion. Yours is much more vibrant and healthy. Will try it for sure.

[Lucy]

lol! Good for you for making this decision! I know you'll make it fun !

[Nora]

Hi Lucy,
Winter does like to hang around me as well, usually my hips. I was pro-active this year, joined a local gym mid-winter. It was getting to hard to run outside and under the warm covers was the best place to stay. ;-)

This salad looks and sounds refreshing and light. I haven't had smoked tofu for ages. And did you say mango? It's time to make a trip to the farmer's market because I also noticed that fresh peaches are also back!!

All the best with the move.

x Nora

[Callipygia]

Well this salad looks light and lovely & if this is an indicator of things to come...you'll be strutting your stuff again in no time.

[Lori Lynn @ Taste With The Eyes]

Very nice, I especially like smoked tofu and avocado and that first photo is so pretty with the colors of green, yellow, and cream...

Working at home with no bra. hahaha

[Wendy]

Beautiful salad.

Over the summer my bottom expanded too. Being back at work appears to have corrected the situation. I can only imagine what size I'd be if I worked from home!

P.S. I just met your Mum on my blog. Isn't she lovely? :)

[Katrina]

Mango cheeks. Of course. I'll never think of them the same again. Thank you for the laughs this morning. Everyday life really is the best comedy.

[Rosa]

So many foods that I have yet to try! Smoked tofu it is - I love the sound of this salad, even if I'm moving into a season of baking (and eating) far too much bread while working at home.

[bee]

i'd have said, 'i'm evangelist' and named a really fundie denomination. lol.

[Susan]

Working from home requires a discipline that I still don't have after two years. The lack of structure isn't good for one's diet, either. : |

Smoked tofu is something I've not tried yet. I could love it, love it a lot.

[Jen]

I made this salad today, and it was absolutely delish! I had been looking for different and creative ways to utilize smoked tofu, and this could not have been more perfect. It even kept me full through my workout and until dinnertime, forgoing my usual afternoon snack. What a winner. Thanks so much for an idea I will use over and over again!

[Lucy]

Hi Jen: My pleasure! I love that the tofu and fruit combination, as you say, satisfies so completely.