This *may* appear to be complex or very time-consuming, but it's not....
1) PREPARE IN ADVANCE:
– one 8 to 12-oz block of FIRM TOFU
First, freeze the tofu completely (about 1-2 hours), in packaging or plastic container. Thaw overnight in fridge; or more quickly, thaw at room temperature. When completely thawed, squeeze out any excess water; then, with your fingers, coarsely tear into small chunks. Set aside.
2) Simmer, in medium-size saucepan, covered (till soft, about 10 minutes):
– 3-4 med., peeled POTATOES (chopped into med.-size pieces)
– 2 small-med. CARROTS (chopped into narrow slices, i.e. 1/4-inch pieces)
– 1/2 small TURNIP (chopped into small pieces)
– approx. 3/4 cup WATER
(The different sizes of veggies is so they complete cooking at the same time.)
When done, pour off about half the water (conserving it in a cup).
Add:
– 1 T (or to taste) EARTH BALANCE butter substitute
Then mash with masher (or with hand blender; but don't purée!), adding the reserved cooking water as needed, for medium consistency.
(If you need more liquid, add water or plain soy milk sparingly.)
3) Measure, then set aside to thaw at room temperature:
– 1 1/2 cups frozen CORN KERNALS
4) In large frying pan, saute on med. heat (about 5 min., until tender):
– 1 T. OLIVE OIL
– 1 large YELLOW ONION, chopped into med.-small pieces
– 3 cloves GARLIC, diced
Add, and cook a few more minutes, on med. heat:
– the thawed TOFU (from step #1)
– 3 - 5 tsp. TAMARI (to taste)
Add, and cook about 5 minutes, on med. heat:
– 1 19-oz can GREEN LENTILS (drained and well rinsed)
– 1 1/2 tsp. drief THYME
– 3 T. chopped FRESH PARSLEY; or 1 tsp. dried parsley
– salt and black pepper to taste
5) ASSEMBLE DISH:
Greased casserole dish, about 10" x 8"
Layers:
– bottom: all the tofu/lentil mixture
– middle: all the thawed corn
– top: all the potato mixture
If the potato mixture has become too thick before spreading, sparingly mix in more liquid. Spread the mixture carefully, so as not to mix with the corn and tofu layers below.
Cover with alum. foil, and bake in a 350 deg. F. oven, 20-30 minutes, till thoroughly heated. — Bon apétit!!!
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