Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Sofritas (Chipotle Sofritas) & Burrito Bowl - Make it @home


Its kind of cloudy here from yesterday, light rain too which made everything look beautiful and clear, I always write about rain when it rains here :)
And

One thing that I want while it rains is some spicy & flavorful food which makes me
the happiest person on earth :)
This time I was inspired to cook some "Mexican food" so tried making these while I had this song played throughout.

Enjoy !
"Get Lucky"   by Pharrelle Williams & Nile Rodgers


Thanks to "Chipotle" for providing such a luscious meal, a remarkably nutritious and healthy food that they serve. For those who are unfamiliar, " Chipotle"  is a fast food chain in USA serving Mexican inspired food, the word "Chipotle" otherwise means "smoked Chili"
This is one place that my NA would cheer every time when asked where she would like to dine,
there introduction of a new protein dish called the "Sofritas" which is made with "Tofu" brought even more happiness and satisfaction for the vegetarian's here asI perceive that it isn't easy for the vegetarians to survive in this country.
Though there are many options for'em to choose from, with the mixed culture and cuisines of the immigrants here, most if it are not heightened to a level of approval as anything made with "Tofu".
Mushroom's , different varieties of Cheese , Sprouts and Lentil's are the other main options.


Since I made these, we had "Burrito Bowl" for dinner, which is mixed layers of  rice , sauteed vegetable's , beans, Sofritas (or any meat)  , Salsa (Mexican style Sauce) topped with Sour cream ,cheese and Guacamole / Avocado in a bowl,
we dig into it to enjoy the mixture of different flavor's & texture that different ingredients in it donates.

Here are the main ingredients for making "Sofritas"


Slightly adapted from yupitsvegan.com

Ingredients 

Tofu (Extra Firm) - 1 Packet
Any Vegetable Oil - 2 to 4 Tbsp (I used Canola Oil)
I don't have a gas burner so tried to burn the Jalapeno in the coil
& it din't work   :(



For Gravy/ Sauce 

* Jalapeno / Mexican Pepper - 1 or 2
 (may directly show it to fire to burn the outside
then remove its skin or else roast or grill it to brown its skin )
* Chipotle Peppers in Adobo sauce - 2 to 4 no's
* Adobo sauce(From the tin) - 2 Tbsp
* Salsa - 3 Tbsp
* Garlic - 3 cloves finely chopped
* Cilantro/Coriander Leaves - 1/4 cup chopped
* White Onion - 1 medium chopped
* Vinegar - 1 Tbsp (I used Apple Cider) or else use fresh lime Juice
* Tabasco Sauce - 1 tbsp (Optional)
* Tomato Sauce - 1 Tbsp
* Sugar - 1 tsp(add as per your preference)
*  Salt to taste.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce is one thing which you might be confused, its available in any Mexican store or search for it in the aisle for sauces in any grocery store.

Chipotle / Pepper in Adobo sauce


For spice blend (Adapted from yupitsvegan.com)
(or else use store bought Mexican Spice blend powder) 


Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Coriander seeds - 1 tsp 
Pepper corns - 1/2 tsp (adjust as per your taste) 
Dried Oregano Leaves - 2 tsp 
Sugar - 2 tsp  








Method 

Prepare the Spice blend (if not using store bought)

* Dry roast all the spices (do not add sugar while roasting) ,keep in medium to low heat , roast until you start to smell the spices (may take 2 to 3 minutes) Grind this along with the sugar and keep aside, may store extra in any air tight containers. 

Prepare Tofu 

*  Cover Tofu with a kitchen towel and keep for 5 to 10 minutes and pat'em dry before cutting in to big pieces. Heat 1 tbsp Oil in a pan , shallow fry chunks of Tofu for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Remove from oil and finely chop'em or use your hands to crumble it. Keep aside.


Prepare the Gravy/Sauce 

* Heat the rest of the oil in the same pan, add finely chopped garlic first followed by onion and the Jalapenos chopped.
Saute for 3 to 5 minutes until everything looks cooked , then add chopped chipotle in adobo sauce


* Pour 1/4 to 1/2  cup water to this and the chopped cilantro/Coriander Leaves, allow to boil.
 Add then the crumbled tofu, add Salsa,Tomato sauce,Vinegar or lime juice & 1 tbsp of the Spice blend powder.
Add Tabasco Sauce(if using) & Salt for seasoning , allow the gravy/sauce to get thickened a bit. 


  
* When the sauce/Gravy looks thick enough , switch off the heat and sprinkle sugar (use more sugar if you want it less spicy) , also add some more chopped cilantro/Coriander leaves chopped before serving. 

 Serve with Cilantro Rice / or Plain Rice or Tortillas. 


Making Burrito Bowl 


* Spoon-in some white rice or Mexican style Cilantro Rice first to a bowl. Top these with some sauteed/caramelized onions and bell peppers. 


 

* Top these with some cooked Beans (Black or Pinto Beans)


* Top these with the Sofritas (or else with any meat) , sprinkle chopped Cilantro/Coriander leaves over.


* Spread some salsa and Sour cream over, add cheese and Guacamole/Avocado mashed if your like(I didn't use) & Serve.

Enjoy a scrumptious meal ! 



Click the link below for a similar Mexican dish.
 Chicken Burritos and Re-fried Beans 










Cheers
TN



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