Shades in the Kitchen

I’ve put away the flannel sheets and flung open the windows, but the crucial question remains: is it safe to retire the winter wardrobe?  With the first day of spring upon us and flower buds peeking out like shy debutantes, it’s tempting to pack away the heavy weights. But I’ve lived here long enough to know that the fleece must crowd out the flip-flops a little while longer, just to be sure.

Still, it doesn’t have to be that way in the kitchen.  This is the time of year I start to crave colour as much as I do the sun; and since I’m always up for Mexican, I’ve been making these a lot lately.  Don’t be put off by the hippie-sounding nutritional yeast.  I thought it was weird at first, too.  Most colourful things are when you meet them.

Sunshine Tacos
Makes 4

1 teaspoon olive oil
Half a small red onion, chopped
Crushed red chillies
Half a small red pepper, chopped
Organic tofu – about a two-inch block
4 tablespoons frozen corn kernels
Dash of salt and generous grindings of pepper
1/2 teaspoon red paprika
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes*
2 tablespoons savoury seed mix (I like Munchy Seeds)
4 corn tortillas

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then add the red onion and cook for about a minute.  Add a sprinkle of crushed red chillies (or more, depending on how hot you like things) along with the red pepper and cook for another 30 seconds.  Give the pan a shake.  Crumble the tofu between your fingers directly over the pan, then add the corn kernels, salt, pepper, paprika and yeast flakes.  Give everything a good stir and cook about two minutes longer, adding the seeds at the very end to keep them crunchy. 

Meanwhile, warm the tortillas individually on another frying pan, flipping once.  Distribute the filling over the tortillas and serve alongside lots of guacamole.

*Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and B-complex vitamins.  Low in fat and sodium, it has a cheesy taste that’s also great on popcorn or in place of parmesan cheese.  Ask for it at your health food store.

Comments

[Acme]

I noticed you used corn tortillas; have you tried making homemade flour tortillas? I know they are fattening but oh so good!

[Jess]

Hi Linda! I know this is your expertise, so please share your recipe.

[green ink]

Ooh! Yum!