Today the Yearlong retreat ended. This is one of those moments when it becomes apparent that the year is drawing to a close. For many years now it has also signaled the advent of the annual New Year’s retreat. We would excitedly be in full preparation mode for our trip to the Bay Area and a Sangha reunion. The circumstances are different this year. The good news is Practice does not skip a beat, and although the form has changed, the process has not. We will be virtually welcoming the New Year in various locations throughout the world. How exciting!
Now to get to the point – food! One of things we loved about the New Year’s retreat, besides the reunion and the always transformational retreat, was the food. Five days of a caring staff at the retreat center providing us with delicious vegetarian food kept our tummies happy. One of the dishes we particularly loved was the Thai Stir Fry. We contacted Vallombrosa Retreat Center and asked for the recipe, which they kindly passed along. We would like to share it with you.
We look forward to being with you virtually on New Year’s Eve and hope you enjoy this taste of New Year’s retreats past.
In gassho,
Sequoia
Thai Stir Fry
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil or peanut oil
¾ cup green beans, sliced
¾ cup carrots sliced
1 cup broccoli chopped
1 red pepper, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 small jalapeno or Thai chili (to taste)
2 small cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons lemongrass, sliced very thin (we use lime zest)
Dash of salt to taste
½ to ¾ pound crispy baked tofu (this amount can be adjusted to taste). Recipe below
Yield: 2 generous servings
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a skillet and add the green beans, carrots, broccoli, red and green peppers and chili, and stir-fry until veggies are cooked.
Add the garlic and lemongrass (or lime zest) and cook for another minute or two, stirring well.
Once the garlic is well-incorporated, add in the lime juice and a dash of salt and remove the pan from the heat.
Toss with crispy baked tofu (see below)
Serve over rice if desired, and enjoy!
Crispy Baked Tofu
Press extra firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into approximately ¾-inch pieces.
Toss the tofu in a mix of ½ tablespoon oil and ½ tablespoon soy sauce. This amount will coat a pound of tofu.
Next toss the tofu in arrowroot powder or cornstarch and place on an oiled baking sheet.
Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, turning half way through.