Tim and Liza Goodell’s Tofu Rigatoni Casserole

Tim and Liza Goodell’s Tofu Rigatoni Casserole
cookiemag.com

1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1⁄2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 pinch dried oregano
1 12- to 14-ounce package firm tofu, drained
1 large egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
10-ounce package frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
1-pound box rigatoni, cooked al dente and drained
1 lb. fresh mozzarella, grated (about 4 cups)
3 ounces grated Parmesan (about 3⁄4 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes more.
3. Add the tomatoes and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a blender, process the tofu, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the spinach, cooked rigatoni, tomato sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1⁄2 cup of the Parmesan.
5. Drizzle a coating of olive oil into a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Add the pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top. Bake until golden and bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 8 – 10.

Spicy Thai Shrimp with Mint Raita

Spicy Thai Shrimp with Mint Raita
SELF April 2005

Raita
1 cup nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and diced cucumber
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup mint leaves, minced
2 tsp lemon zest

Shrimp
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup Thai red chile paste (at Asian grocery stores)
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp snipped fresh chives

In a bowl, combine all raita ingredients and set aside.
Heat olive and sesame oils in a medium saucepan over high heat. Sauté ginger and garlic about 45 seconds. Add shrimp and chile paste, tossing to cook evenly, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and stir. Serve raita with shrimp; garnish with chives.

Thai Noodle Salad

Thai Noodle Salad
Bon Appétit January 2003

12 ounces linguine
4 tablespoons oriental sesame oil

8 green onions, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce
2 cups mung bean sprouts
1 cup finely shredded carrots

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Transfer pasta to large bowl; add 3 tablespoons sesame oil and toss to coat.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 green onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions soften, about 2 minutes. Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili-garlic sauce; whisk to blend. Simmer sauce 1 minute. Cool to room temperature. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Add sprouts and carrots; mix well. Transfer to platter; sprinkle with remaining green onions.