Tofu Cutlets with Charred Romano Beans

Whereas I like and use as many greens as doable, I’ve a handful of ones I flip to extra usually, primarily as a result of they develop effectively, and I like them with many flavors. Throughout the summer season, romano beans come entrance and heart. These flat and enormous runner beans are attractive and are simply the star of any meal when paired with these tofu cutlets. 

Why Tofu Cutlets?

Rising up in Illinois, tenderloin was usually the main focus of many meals conversations, as folks had been very explicit about how skinny, crispy, and massive a tenderloin might be. Nonetheless, as a vegetarian, the concept of a breaded cutlet left my thoughts till I had essentially the most scrumptious tofu katsu curry. That tofu katsu unlocked a lot inspiration for consuming a easy tofu cutlet, and I like knife and fork meal. 

Charred Inexperienced Beans, A Love Story

So, what makes this recipe additional particular? The tofu cutlet serves as the bottom and protein, whereas the charred romano beans tossed within the peanut sprinkle take heart stage. Charring romano and inexperienced beans on the grill, pizza oven, or range high, then letting them steam makes for my superb recent bean texture: tender however overly delicate. 

Romano Bean Alternate options

The simple various to the romano beans is the common-or-garden recent inexperienced bean. Given inexperienced beans take a bit much less cooking than romano beans, I’ll usually char them after which place them in a bowl lined with a lid to complete cooking (which is superb while you’re grilling)! 

Past beans, charred eggplant, brussels sprouts, cabbage, or broccoli would all work effectively with the tofu cutlet and peanut-basil sprinkle. 

Tofu Cutlets, a vegan model

This recipe was impressed by Justine’s tofu cutlet recipe, which she retains vegan with the assistance of a flax egg and for the chipotle mayo, I like to recommend making a chipotle nut cream or use a vegan, soy-based mayo.  

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Tofu Cutlets with Charred Romano Beans

A hearty vegetarian meal that includes tofu cutlets toped with charred romano beans and a peanut-basil sprinkle for taste.

• Writer: Erin Alderson
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Inexperienced Beans

½ pound Romano or inexperienced beans

2 tablespoons impartial oil

⅓ cup peanut-basil sprinkle

Tofu Cutlet

¼ cup all-purpose or white wheat flour

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 giant egg

½ cup panko

4 ounces tofu, minimize into 2 slabs

Impartial oil for frying

¼ cup chipotle mayo

Directions

• To make the beans: Trim and take away any strings from the beans. Preheat a big skillet with the impartial oil over medium-high warmth. Add the beans and prepare dinner till the beans have an honest quantity of blistering. Flip off the warmth, pour a pair tablespoons of water into the pan, and instantly cowl with a lid (it helps to guard your self a bit with the lid whereas including the water). Let relaxation till the beans are tender.
• To make the tofu: seize three bowls and place them in a line. Add the flour, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic within the first bowl, the egg within the second, and the panko within the third. Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth with sufficient impartial oil to cowl the underside of the pan.
• Dredge one of many tofu items within the flour, adopted by the egg and ending with the panko. Switch to the new oil and repeat with the second piece of tofu.
• Fry till golden, flip, and proceed to fry till the second aspect is golden. In case your tofu items are thick, use a pair of tongs to carry the tofu items and fry the sides. Switch to a wire rack.
• To complete: take away the lid from the inexperienced beans and sprinkle the beans with the peanut-basil sprinkle. Swoosh some mayo into two bowls and high with the fried tofu items. Divide the inexperienced beans on high and end with an additional sprinkle of the peanut-basil combine earlier than serving.