Ninja Rice Bowl

Sometimes I have the best intentions of what I'm going to make mid-week, but then when I get delayed either by work or by transit (or both), the task of preparing a meal that has a number of different components seems like a daunting task. Tonight was such an event. I had planned to make the Ninja Rice Bowl from the cookbook Refresh, which calls for preparing three different sauces, but time got away from me and it turned out I didn't have some of the ingredients on hand. As I had already marinated the tofu cubes in the morning, I went ahead with part of the recipe and provided some improvisation for the rest. So here's my version of the Ninja Rice Bowl (serves 2):


Marinate a package of tofu (cut in cubes) in a mixture of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 5 teaspoons of sunflower oil, and 1/2 cup of tamari. (Let marinate for 1 hour or up to 5 days in a sealed container in the fridge).


Cook some brown basmati rice.


Make a marinated sundried tomato paste by combining 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of each of the following dried herbs: sage, tarragon, basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Add 1/2 cup of reconstituted sundried tomatoes*, finely chopped, and using your immersion (stick) blender, mix together.


Slice some green onion and celery, and grate some carrot (use as much or little of each as you prefer).


To assemble: place rice in bowl, arrange vegetables around the inner edges of the bowl; spoon the marinated sundried tomato paste on top of the vegetables; arrange the marinated tofu in the middle of the bowl and top with some broccoli sprouts.


*to reconstitute dried tomatoes, place the sundried tomatoes (not the ones packed in oil) in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes or until soft. Remove tomatoes from the water and proceed with your recipe. Note: I typically keep the "tomato water" for adding to soups and stews. There's lots of flavour to be had here. It will keep in the fridge for a few days or, alternatively, you could freeze it until ready to use.