Shakshuka with Tofu

All the warmth and spice of classic shakshuka — cumin-spiked tomato sauce, smoky peppers, a hit
of harissa — but with firm tofu standing in for eggs. The tofu absorbs the sauce and develops a
satisfying texture that earns its place in the skillet. Eat straight from the pan with bread.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (for strict oil-free days, simmer the sauce without the initial oil saute — it will still be good)

SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 400 g extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed, cut into 2 cm cubes
- 2 cans (800 g total) crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red or green), diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (or more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread, for serving

METHOD:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on several sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Cook onion and peppers for 7 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic, cumin, both paprikas, cayenne, and harissa paste. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate.
5. Nestle tofu cubes into the sauce. Spoon sauce over them. Simmer 5 more minutes.
6. Scatter fresh cilantro and parsley over the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread to scoop.

NOTES:
- Press the tofu well — wrap in paper towels and press under a heavy pan for 15 minutes. Dry tofu fries better and absorbs more sauce.
- Harissa is the key spice here. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you want heat.
- This dish is best eaten immediately, straight from the skillet.
- Tofu provides about 17 g protein per serving in this dish.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 17 g | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Fat: 17 g | Fibre: 6 g