Jamican Rice and Peas and Jerk Tofu

Jamaican Rice and Peas

• 3/4 cup Dark Red Kidney Beans
• 1 Can Golden Star Coconut Milk
• 3 Large Garlic Cloves
• 4 cups Genuine Jasmine Rice
• 6-8 Whole Thyme Sprigs
• 4 Scallions
• 3 1/2-4 teaspoons Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground Cardamon
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Large Bay Leaf
• Water

* Wash the kidney beans thoroughly.  Place in  a large heavy bottomed pot with coconut milk, garlic, and 3 1/2 cups water. Simmer on low until beans are fully cooked. This will several hours.
* When the beans are cooked, add the remaining ingredients, 2 cups water and stir. Reduce heat to low( your lowest burner) and cook until rice done.
*You may have to add more water, but do so cautiously, as the Beans will release water and the naturally occurring steam will also cook the rice. It does take some time to learn how to cook Jamaican Rice and Peas, but once you do the rewards are many!

Jamaican Jerk Tofu

 Jamaican Jerk Sauce

• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Orange juice
• 6 Scallions, Chopped
•  3 Large Garlic Cloves
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoon Hoisin Sauce ( Lee Kum Kee or a brand that you're sure is vegan)
• 2" Piece of Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Substitute
• 1 teaspoon Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Parika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Bay Leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
• 2  Massel Chicken Boullion cubes or 2 teaspoons chicken style seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

Whiz all ingredients in the blender for about 30 seconds or just enough to pulverize the scallions, red pepper, ginger, and garlic.
Tofu

• 2 lb. Extra Firm Tofu
• 2 Tablspoons extra Virgin Olive oil

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slice, or cube tofu to your liking. Jerk is usually in thick pieces.
Drizzle the olive oil in a 9"x13" glass Pyrex dish.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Flip and bake 15 minutes more.
Remove from oven, marinate in Jerk sauce i n the same pan for at least 1 hour or overnight preferably.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until the jerk sauce has separated and the sauce sizzles and begins to brown the edges of the pan.

Note: be sure to eat your salad and vegetables with every meal.