Coriander, Curry, and Yogurt-Crusted Tofu

by Francine

photo via womenshealthmag.com

My mom first gave me yogurt when I was a little girl. She put sugar in it, so how couldn't I like it? In French the word is pronounced yah-ooort (pronounced with that very French gutteral sound for the "r"). I love that sound, even now. When I was a kid I was quite the mimic and used to act out my mother's French friends talking--with what seemed to me to be a rather peculiar way of speaking. In retrospect I understand that it was simply so animated compared to the way most Americans speak English. In any cases--it was words like "yogurt" that I particularly liked, because of the seeming exagerration in pronunciation. Anyway, I suppose I'm digressing at this point, so let's get back to yogurt (also spelled "yogourt"). 

The care2 website published an informative little piece recently which is a good reminder of why yogurt is so healthy for us:

• "If you are taking antibiotics, yogurt will help you replenish the friendly bacteria that is killed by the drugs’ actions.
• Regular intake of yogurt keeps yeast infections away.
• Served as delicious dips and smoothies, yogurt is an excellent protein-rich for young children.
• It is easy to digest and promotes the bioavailability of key nutrients.
• The proteins, vitamins and other vital nutrients in yogurt make it a powerful immunity-boosting food.
• Yogurt is helpful in settling the stomach after a bout of diarrhea or constipation. It also reduces bloating and gas.
• Yogurt is a time-tested beauty aid. That is because the lactic acid in it lightens blemishes and hydrates skin beautifully. Mix yogurt with olive oil and a little turmeric powder, and apply on skin. Wash off with warm water after a few minutes, and watch the fresh, dewy glow on your face!"

Yogurt is commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. I often use it as a substitute for sour cream (in salad dressings or baked potato, for instance.) All kinds of yogurt these days--from Greek to flavored to non-fat, etc. To each his or her own, of course. But I highly recommend sticking to organic, because of where dairy is on the food chain. You're getting quite a bit of pesticide saturation in non-organic dairy products because of where dairy is on the food chain. Definitely worth the extra price for organic. 

So here's an interesting Middle-Eastern inspired recipe using our dear old favorite--that would be tofu, and yogurt. 

3/4 cup plain yogurt

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon whole coriander seed, crushed

2 teaspoons mild curry powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 -2 tablespoon olive oil

4 pieces tofu, fillets, about 6 ounces each

chopped mint (to garnish)

Directions:

1

In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, garlic and cumin. In a separate bowl combine the coriander seeds, curry, salt and pepper.

2

In a very large nonstick skillet or sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, dip the tofu into the yogurt mixture to lightly coat each side, then sprinkle each side with the curry mixture, dividing the seasoning evenly among all the tofu.

3

Immediately place tofu in the hot pan and cook until just done, about 2½ minutes on each side. Serve with a light sprinkling of chopped mint.

Resources:

food.com
care2.com