| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 8g | 1g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 14g | 0.38g |
Why I Love French Herb Tofu Balls
Discovering and sharing the French recipe known as Herb Tofu Balls has truly been a joy for me. You see, there’s something special about mixing ingredients you would find in any Midwestern kitchen – like garlic and olive oil – with the elegance of French cuisine’s hallmark elements of fresh herbs and savory sauces. This blend results in a blast of flavor that resonates with my love for hearty food with a dash of culinary refinement. And let me assure you, this recipe delivers just that!
Connecting with my Midwestern Roots
Just as the Nebraska fields are sprinkled with cornstalks, these Herb Tofu Balls are speckled with finely chopped fresh herbs – a parade of parsley, basil, and chives. It’s reminiscent of my childhood, where every meal was a celebration of home-grown ingredients. The combination of breadcrumb coated tofu, infused with a hint of soy sauce and Dijon mustard, is like a gustatory homage to the farm-to-table freshness that is the soul of heartland cuisine.
An Ode to French Culinary Tradition
Though my culinary style often orbits around American comfort cuisine, I’m deeply inspired by chefs who combine these passionate cookery roots with international traditions. One chef who I greatly admire for doing so is Julia Child. Her ability to translate French cooking for American households is nothing short of fascinating. Drawing inspiration from her, this particular recipe exploits the firm and versatile nature of tofu to carry the robustness of the herbs and spices. Like her, it’s my aspiration to introduce my readers to diverse and delectable cuisines from around the globe.
A bonus for this Herb Tofu Balls recipe is its simple, yet deeply satisfying palette of flavors. It’s ideal for both a quick dinner for your family or to impress guests at your next gathering. The tofu stays true to its neutral nature allowing the mixture of fresh herbs, mustard, and the delicious crunch of breadcrumbs to take center stage. To top it all off, the aroma from the garlic and herbs will tickle your taste buds in anticipation!
In conclusion, I cherish the Herb Tofu Balls recipe not only for its cashmere touch of French elegance onto my Midwestern rooted kitchen but for its symphony of flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate. After all, what’s better than culinary exploration where comfort meets sophistication!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb firm tofu
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
Step One
Begin by draining the tofu and pressing it to get rid of the excess moisture. This can be done by placing the tofu on a flat surface, covering it with a clean dish towel, and applying weight to it (a cutting board plus some heavy cans or books work well). Leave it for around 15-20 minutes to allow as much of the water to be drawn out as possible.
Step Two
Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a baking sheet with some of the olive oil.
Step Three
In a large bowl, crumble the drained tofu until it resembles the consistency of scrambled eggs. Then add the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, basil, chives, minced garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together well.
Step Four
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the herb tofu balls with the remaining olive oil.
Step Five
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the herb tofu balls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Ensure to turn them halfway through baking so that they bake evenly on all sides.
Step Six
Remove the herb tofu balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a tasty plant-based appetizer or add to your favorite meals for a hit of protein and flavor!
