Ingredients

• For the Crispy Tofu:
  
  1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
  
  2 tbsp olive oil
  
  1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  1 tsp garlic powder
  
  1 tsp cumin
  
  1/2 tsp turmeric
  
  1/2 tsp salt
  
  1/4 tsp black pepper

• For the Bowl:
  
  1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous (for a gluten-free option, use quinoa)
  
  1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  1 cucumber, diced
  
  1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  
  1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  
  1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  
  1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a non-vegan option)
  
  2-3 tbsp Tal’s Babaganoush (per serving)
  
  Lemon wedges, for serving
  
  For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
  
  2 tbsp tahini
  
  2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  
  1 garlic clove, minced
  
  2 tbsp water (to thin)
  
  1 tbsp olive oil
  
  Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Methods

1. Prepare the Tofu:
   
   Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, place a heavy object on top (like a skillet), and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
   
   In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
   
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
   
   Divide the cooked quinoa or couscous between serving bowls.
   
   Top with crispy tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley.
   
   Add a generous dollop of Tal’s Babaganoush to each bowl.
   
   Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using).
4. Make the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
   
   In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
   Drizzle the dressing over the bowls.
   
5. Serve:
   
   Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.
   
   Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, smoky flavors of Tal’s Babaganoush paired with the crispy tofu and fresh Mediterranean ingredients!