Winter Garden High Protein (Printable)
A warming dish featuring winter vegetables and plant proteins, rich in flavor and nutrition.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
02 - 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
03 - 1 large carrot, sliced
04 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
06 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, halved
→ Protein
07 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Marinade & Seasoning
09 - 3 tbsp olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
11 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
14 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
17 - ½ tsp sea salt
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Whisk to blend thoroughly.
03 - Add the tofu cubes and chickpeas to the marinade. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
04 - Spread the prepared vegetables in a single layer on the baking tray. Drizzle with half of the remaining marinade and toss to coat evenly.
05 - Nestle the marinated tofu and chickpeas among the vegetables. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the tray.
06 - Roast for 40-50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are tender and golden, and tofu is crisp at the edges.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of crispy roasted tofu and tender chickpeas creates protein richness that actually keeps you full for hours, unlike some lighter vegetarian roasts I've tried
- Balsamic and soy sauce create this incredible umami glaze that caramelizes in the oven, making vegetables taste like they've been simmering all day
02 -
- Don't crowd your baking sheet or your vegetables will steam instead of roast, use two sheets if necessary
- Press your tofu for at least 15 minutes before marinating, otherwise it won't absorb those flavors properly
03 -
- Set your oven rack to the middle position for even browning on all ingredients
- Let the tray rest for 5 minutes after roasting to let those flavors settle