It has been oh-so-gently suggested to me that if someone were to read my blog, they might get the idea that I live on nothing but cookies and cakes. Let’s pretend they are wrong and talk about vegetables for a minute.

At the ripe old age of [redacted], I have come to accept that vegetables are mandatory, and so I have worked hard to also make them enjoyable. This stir fry is quick and easy, does not require store-bought sauce (or a saucier to prepare the sauce for you), and actually will make something delicious that you will be proud to tell your mom you ate. And then you can go back to cake and cookies guilt-free.

Makes: 2 – 4 servings, depending on how hungry you are

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil (canola, oil, or sesame)
• 2-3 cups chopped vegetables – I like baby bok choy, this is also great with broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, or anything else that happens to be quietly languishing away at the back of the fridge
• 1 block firm tofu, diced in 1 cm / 1/2 inch cubes
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 tbsp AP flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, see notes)
• Rice or other grains for serving

Directions:

1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat
2. Add vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, until they are cooked and just starting to brown – if you have chosen a mix of vegetables, you might need to add the ones that cook fast (greens, peppers) a bit later than you add the ones that cook slowly (like broccoli)
3. Add tofu and stir frequently – tofu loves to stick to the bottom of the pan
4. In a bowl, stir together soy sauce (3 tbsp), maple syrup (3 tbsp), garlic (1 clove), ginger (1/2 tsp), flour (1 1/2 tbsp), water (1/4 cup) and peanut butter (1 tbsp) until smooth
5. Pour over the vegetables and tofu and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring regularly
6. Serve over rice, quinoa, or any other grains you like

Notes:

• The peanut butter adds a bit of protein and an amazing flavour – don’t worry too much about smooth versus crunch, just add whatever is convenient
• See, I do eat vegetables!