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Vegetarian, Meal soups and plant based

Provençal tofu with rice

Provençal tofu with rice is a plant-based dish for 4 people, ready in 40 minutes, easy to make, for about €2.00 per person. Browned tofu cubes simmer with tomatoes, peppers and olives until they soak up the flavors of the South. The key is browning the tofu well over high heat before it simmers, so it keeps its shape.

Tonight, the flavors of the South show up with tofu cubes simmered in tomatoes, peppers and olives, with a hint of herbes de Provence.

Provençal tofu with rice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.00
Calories per person
670 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Fall

Golden tofu cubes with a firm crust, simmered in a tomato sauce with peppers and black olives, scented with herbes de Provence. The tofu soaks up the sauce without falling apart, the peppers soften gently, and the olives add a salty kick that wakes up the whole dish. Rice rounds it out, perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.

This is a good weeknight dish when you want something plant-based and simple, or a Sunday meal for friends who don't eat meat. It appeals mostly to adults and adventurous teens, kids sometimes prefer milder flavors. It comes together in one pan and finishes while the rice cooks.

The ingredients

4 people

Fruits and vegetables

  • Firm tofu 400 g
  • Red bell peppers 2
  • Onion 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Basil 6 sprigs

Pantry

  • Crushed tomatoesoften in the pantry 400 g
  • Pitted black olivesoften in the pantry 80 g
  • Herbes de Provenceoften in the pantry 2 tsp
  • Riceoften in the pantry 280 g
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Soy

The step by step recipe

  1. Press the tofu in a kitchen towel, then cut it into 2 cm cubes.

    The more you press it, the better it browns and absorbs the sauce later.

  2. Brown it in 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat and set it aside. 8 min

    Don't stir it too much, give it time to form a crust.

  3. In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic and peppers cut into strips with the remaining oil. 8 min

    The peppers should soften, that's what makes the sauce mellow.

  4. Add the tomatoes, herbes de Provence, olives, salt and pepper, return the tofu to the pan and let it simmer. 15 min

    Taste before adding salt, the olives already bring some.

  5. Cook the rice in salted boiling water, drain it and serve it with the tofu and chopped basil. 11 min

    Rinse the rice before cooking for grains that won't stick together.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick firm or extra firm tofu, silken tofu will fall apart during cooking.
  • Let the sauce simmer covered over low heat, it thickens without sticking and the tofu keeps absorbing flavor.
  • Cut the peppers into thin, even strips, they cook faster and blend better into the sauce.

The variations

  • Swap the tofu for drained chickpeas for a quicker version with no browning step.
  • Add diced zucchini along with the peppers for a version packed with more summer vegetables.
  • For kids, blend part of the sauce and cut back on the olives, the flavor turns milder.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with lemon
  • Crusty bread for the sauce
  • Chilled lemon water

Storage

Keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, tofu and rice together or separate. The dish freezes well for up to 2 months, ideally without the rice. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Questions about this dish

Can I use a different type of tofu?

Firm or extra firm tofu works best since it holds its shape during cooking. Silken tofu will break apart in the sauce and change the dish's texture.

Can this dish be made ahead?

Yes, the tofu sauce can be made a day ahead and reheats well, the flavors even deepen overnight. Cook the rice just before serving so it stays fluffy.

Does Provençal tofu freeze well?

Yes, the tofu mixture freezes well for up to 2 months in an airtight container. It's best to freeze it without the rice and cook rice fresh when serving.

How do I keep the tofu from falling apart?

Press the tofu well before cutting it, then brown it over high heat without stirring too much. That initial crust protects it during simmering.

How long does it take to make a Provençal tofu with rice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a Provençal tofu with rice?

About 670 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a Provençal tofu with rice cost?

About €2.00 per serving, or €8.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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