Spicy braised tofu in peanut sauce with sweet potatoes and spinach

This spicy, Thai-inspired stew makes a perfect meal for meatless Mondays. Surrounded by healthy veggies, and infused with rich peanut sauce, this vegetarian dish will excite your taste buds and keep you coming back for seconds!

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 45 to 50 minutes

• 375 g (1 1/2 c) brown rice
• 2 packages (396 g/14 oz each) firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 625 ml (2 1/2 c) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (398 ml/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 cm (1/2 in) pieces
• 125 ml (1/2 c) natural peanut butter
• 3 kg (12 c) baby spinach, washed
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) canola oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, seeded and minced
• 15 g (1 tbsp) curry powder
• 25 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice
• 150 ml (2/3 c) roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• Hot pepper sauce
• Pinch of salt
• Lime wedges

1. In a Dutch oven, combine rice, 900 ml (3 3/4 cups) water and salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 45 to 50 minutes).
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened (about two to three minutes). Add garlic, jalapeños and curry. powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the tofu and stir to coat. Add the broth, tomatoes and sweet potato. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, Cover and simmer until sweet potato is tender (about 20 to 25 minutes).
3. Add peanut butter and stir until blended. Gradually add spinach, stirring until it has wilted. Stir in lime juice. Spoon stew over rice and sprinkle each serving with about 15 grams (one tbsp) peanuts. Serve with lime wedges and hot pepper sauce. The stew will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to two days.

One serving is 125 g (1/2 cup) of rice and 250 g (one cup) of stew.

• 356 calories
• 16 g protein
• 38 g carbohydrates
• 6 g fibre
• 17 g total fat
• 3 g saturated fat
• 0 mg cholesterol
• 310 mg sodium

Tasty stews are comforting on chilly winter nights—warm up your evenings with a spicy dish that's sure to please your family.