Maple Balsamic Roasted Vegetable and Tofu Rice Bowls

The following recipe and photography were provided by Carolyn Hodges of The Dinner Shift.

A blend of fresh vegetables roasted until tender, tossed with pan-seared tofu and a maple balsamic vinaigrette and served over steaming brown rice is a truly satisfying plant-based bowl. Whether served for dinner or made ahead for a week of meal-prep lunches, this dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

While we’re not a vegan or vegetarian household, I cook plant-based meals regularly, and tofu is on the dinner menu about once a week. I prefer to use extra firm tofu, which can be crumbled into pasta sauce, transformed into taco “meat” or cubed and pan-seared until golden brown like this recipe. Heinen’s carries an assortment of tofu and plant-based proteins, including Cleveland Tofu, which is truly in a league of its own. I love the texture and flavor of this Cleveland-made variety.

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette

3 Tbsp. Heinen’s balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. Heinen’s pure organic maple syrup
1 ½ Tbsp. Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tsp. Heinen’s organic stone ground mustard
¼ tsp. Heinen’s crushed red chili flakes, optional
Salt

For the Vegetables

12 oz. Heinen’s diced butternut squash, or 3 cups peeled and cut butternut squash (1-inch cubes)
12 oz. Heinen’s halved Brussels sprouts, or 3 cups trimmed and halved brussels sprouts
½ large red onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

For the Tofu

16 oz. Cleveland tofu
1 Tbsp. Heinen’s olive oil
½ tsp. Heinen’s garlic powder
¼ tsp. Heinen’s onion powder
Salt

To Serve

2 containers Heinen’s cooked brown rice, heated
Toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450º F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients together in a bowl. Whisk until well combined and season to taste with salt. Set aside.
Combine the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and red onion on the prepared sheet pan. Toss with 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
While the vegetables roast, prepare the tofu. Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Gently toss with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil, garlic powder and onion powder. Season to taste with salt. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with oil spray or nonstick cooking spray. Sauté the tofu for about 10 minutes, flipping often, or until light golden brown on all sides.
Remove the vegetables from the oven and add the tofu to the sheet pan. Drizzle on the vinaigrette and toss gently until well combined.
Divide the heated brown rice into bowls, top with the roasted vegetables and tofu and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Maple Balsamic Roasted Vegetables and Tofu Rice Bowls