Can tofu be a kids’ meal?
I have been on this bandwagon before and about to hop on it again. I am convinced that children will eat healthy foods if we simply go to the time and trouble of preparing it for them. It’s easy to fall in the macaroni and cheese, pizza and dinosaur nugget habit because it’s easier. Easier to make and easier not to have to deal with some of the typical gripes one might hear from a child who doesn’t want to try something new and healthy. But a little creativity can go a long way in getting kids to partake in (and actually enjoy) a healthier diet. Last night is just another example….
I decided to prepare tofu enchiladas, in large part motivated by this blog post I read about what it would look like if we skipped meat for just one day a week. This is one of the best arguments I have read in favor of cutting back on meat, namely because it didn’t tell me to cut it out completely. My motto of gradual changes in diet versus drastic ones stands firm, even in my choices of meat, chicken and fish, or omission thereof.
But anyway, Rob saw the tofu lying on the counter after work and said, “Ooooh…what’s that? Tofu? Do you mind if I go out tonight?” Darn it. I was trying to get the tofu in the dish and out of the way without him seeing it. I just knew he wouldn’t know what he was eating if I didn’t tell him.
Likewise, I assumed Luke would walk in his father’s disapproving tofu footsteps, so I had a plate of leftover chicken ready for him. (Ok, maybe I would be the only one eating a meal without meat, but by gosh, I was going to do it anyway). I prepared the tofu by cutting it into small blocks, then sautéing it with olive oil, lime juice and home-made taco seasoning. I am a self-proclaimed non-tofu-making-expert, if there is such a thing, and even I wasn’t so sure how it was going to taste. But it was amazing! So much so that I thought, well, I’m going to see if Luke might like it, even though I know it’s a long-shot. “Luke, take a bite of this and let me know what you think.” And I got an immediate, “Umm…..this is delicious Mommy.”
So while Dad was out and mom was eating fabulous tofu enchiladas all alone, Luke was eating tofu, edamame, and fruit, all while I was explaining what the word vegetarian meant.
(And this came at the heels of last week’s “dad’s night out” when I prepared pancetta topped cod with asparagus and couscous. This was the beloved night when Luke was so excited that he told me, “Mom, this meal is just delicious. I think I need to hug you.” Check out my recipes because they are yummy and easy to make).
So not only am I feeling pretty good about making most of my family happy, but Luke’s eating super healthy dishes that are a far cry from fried, breaded chicken. With a little creativity in food preparation, and involving children in the cooking process, I’m certain that eating habits can evolve for the better. Either that or I have proven once and for all that Luke is my child, through and through.
I highly suggest the use of "Veri Veri Teriyaki" with Tofu, it's the best (maybe not the best for you, but...! Cook the Tofu, cover it in Veri Veri and cook on low temp for a few more minutes. Once finished cooking, lay the the Tofu/Teriyaki mix over some brown rice and top with steamed broccoli...amazing! 
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Melinda – this is so good to hear! Love it when a healthy meal is joyous and productive for your family and the environment. Talk about baby steps…literally. Thanks for sharing this. The tofu sautee sounds great. I too had issues with early attempts at tofu. Sometimes I cut it into small cubes, season it with Bragg’s liquid aminos (like soy sauce only healthy) and bake it in the oven for a time. It gives the tofu a more sturdy texture as everyone in my house runs at the feel of mushy. Keep up the great work!
Jo, thanks for the tofu suggestions. I will keep experimenting with different types of preparation. And I will also continue to attempt the meatless tradition, even if my husband is kicking and screaming!
I highly suggest the use of “Veri Veri Teriyaki” with Tofu, it’s the best (maybe not the best for you, but…! Cook the Tofu, cover it in Veri Veri and cook on low temp for a few more minutes. Once finished cooking, lay the the Tofu/Teriyaki mix over some brown rice and top with steamed broccoli…amazing!