Recipe: Green Tea Rice with Lemon Snow Peas and Tofu (with golden fried tofu)

GREEN TEA RICE WITH LEMON SNOW PEAS AND TOFU

"This light and lovely rice dish is flavored with green tea and lemon for a sophisticated taste. Crunchy snow peas and golden fried tofu complete the meal."

FOR THE GREEN TEA RICE:
3 cups water
4 green tea bags
1 1⁄2 cups white sushi rice
FOR THE FRIED TOFU AND SNOW PEAS:
2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
8 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1⁄4-inch dice
3 green onions, minced
2 cups snow peas, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

TO PREPARE THE GREEN TEA RICE:
In a large saucepan, bring the 3 cups water to a boil. Add the tea bags and remove from the heat. Let stand for 7 minutes and remove and discard the tea bags.

Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear, then add to the brewed tea. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

TO PREPARE THE TOFU AND SNOW PEAS:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, 5 minutes.

Add the green onions and snow peas to the skillet and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.

TO SERVE:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the tofu and snow pea mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings
Source: 1,000 Vegan Recipes by Robin Robertson