Spiced Tofu with Broccoli and Blue Cheese Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of spiced tofu, fresh broccoli, and tangy blue cheese.
If your tofu is water packed, layer your cutting board with a clean cotton towel and three layers of paper towels. Place tofu slices on top of the towels. Place a layer of three more paper towels on top of tofu, and cover with another cotton towel. Carefully place another cutting board or cookie sheet on top of the towels. Stack something heavy on top of the board, like a cast iron skillet, a large can of beans, heavy bowl or other weight to press down on tofu. Let sit for at least fifteen minutes, and up to one hour.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Brush oil on both sides of the tofu.
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the spiced tofu, and cook until a nice golden brown crust forms. Turn tofu over and continue to cook until the second side is also nicely browned, about 10 minutes per side. Set seared tofu aside.
For Ranch:
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and next 5 ingredients (through fresh basil). Mix well. Thin the sour cream mixture with milk until the desired consistency is reached, it should be thin enough to pour, like heavy cream. Set aside, and allow the flavors to combine.
for salad:
Place broccoli florets in a microwave safe bowl, and add 1 tablespoon water. Cover the bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute. Broccoli should be cooked but still crisp, and a bright green color. If you would like the broccoli to be cooked a bit more, set the covered bowl aside for a few minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam in the bowl. Drain. Set aside.
Heat a dry skillet over high heat on the stove top. Once hot, add the thawed corn to the skillet. Stirring occasionally, allow the corn to toast. Once most of the corn has some golden brown toasting on it, about 10 minutes, remove it from the pan.
Plating:
In a large serving bowl, gently mix the broccoli, toasted corn, green peas, avocado slices, and crumbled blue cheese. Place sautéed tofu slices on top. Drizzle with ranch dressing, and garnish with basil. The salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold. Enjoy!