The scenario: You both come home late from work and you're both tired. Dinner needs to be on the table ASAP. What do you do?

This dinner was originally created out of a coincidence of ingredients that we just happened to have on hand in the house on just such a night. Some good friends had recently introduced us to the tasty and convenient Seeds of Change grain packets and they were sitting in the pantry. We had noticed and purchased this package of Hodo Moroccan-flavored tofu at the supermarket and it was in the fridge. We ALWAYS have a jar of Costco pesto in the fridge (plus more in the freezer). We were in the exact position described above one night so I began to assess what we had on hand that could be transformed into a dinner. Things were starting to come together. 

Some weeknight years ago, I tossed together these disparate ingredients for a quick weeknight meal. We loved it enough that it has been part of the rotation of the sometimes-needed quick, weeknight meals. Nothing glamorous here; but it's a tummy- filling, healthy, high-fiber recipe for those late weeknight meals. A meal for the two of you--not fancy dinner party fare.

The key to this meal's satisfaction is the "toothiness" of the slightly crispy grains (similar to the crispy crust on paella called socarrat). At the end, you let the mix sit unstirred in the skillet over the heat and allow the bottom to get just a bit crispy. You can let it sit longer if you want more crispiness.

There are just a few key ingredients:

Hodo Moroccan Tofu Cubes
We bought one time a year or two ago just try them out. We enjoyed them enough to get more every once in awhile. At this time, I don't see it on Amazon (though they do carry other Hodo products). We get it at our local Safeway. 

Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice mix

We bought these at the recommendation of some friends. I've purchased these at my local Costco and I've ordered them through Amazon if you want a twelve pack. Single envelopes are also available at Safeway. Look for them at your local supermarket.

Once you have those two ingredients (or maybe your own facsimile) you can keep those in the fridge and pantry. 

Crispy Moroccan Tofu with Grains and Greens

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz.) Hodo Moroccan Tofu Cubes
• 1 package (8.5 oz.) Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice Mix
• 3 - 4 cups arugula (other greens could also work)
• 2 Tbsp. Basil pesto
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Red chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Massage the unopened packages of tofu and quinoa/rice to break up the contents. 
2. Heat a 12" skillet with a good drizzle of olive oil over medium high heat.
3. Add the package of tofu breaking up the large chunks with a spatula. Stir only occasionally for about 5 minutes or until tofu gets some browning.
   
   
   
4. Add the Seeds of Change envelope and stir to mix.
   
   
   
5. Drizzle with more olive oil (about 2 Tbsp.) to moisten the grains and stir to mix.
6. Add the greens and stir until wilted.
   
   
   
7. Add the pesto, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
8. Stir to mix and let the mixture sit for 3-4 mins. on medium heat to get some crispiness on the bottom.
   
   
   
9. Serve immediately on bowls or plates. 

One skillet clean up. You just might have some leftovers for lunch the next day!