Escaping + Tofu and Black Bean Buddha Bowl

The other day, my kids expressed their feelings of going stir-crazy because they couldn’t leave the house to hang out with friends. I guess you could say they needed an escape from their “new normal” of being cooped up inside over the last few months. And I could certainly empathize with them. I have had days so productive; there was no stopping me. Then, other days, I’d barely have the desire to get out of bed. We are in an unprecedented time where we all want to escape our reality. The ebb and flow of emotions are so foreign to us! I thought it was time to give them ideas to keep their “stir-crazy” in check. This week’s blog post is all about Escaping. While I’m at it, I show you how to create a tasty Tofu and Black Bean Buddha Bowl.

Ways of Escaping.

When I sat down to write this post, my mind immediately went to the scene in Silence Of The Lambs, when Dr. Lecter whispers to Clarice about escaping to the FBI. I couldn’t tell you why other than the fact I’ve been binge-watching all sorts of murder films and documentaries, and my nerves are in a constant knot. And I like it. For whatever reasons, Clarice needed to “escape,” she sure could’ve taken all of these damn moths with her! As much as I’d love to join the FBI, I think I’ll check out some of these other ways to escape from reality and relax.

Read a book

There is something to be said about holding and smelling a real book in our hands. When I work, I usually listen to audio versions, but now that my workflow has slowed, I have time to pick up a book and read! Whether its fiction or non-fiction, it’s someone else’s shit besides yours! If the book is compelling enough, it will help you forget about all the things troubling you. This time is the PERFECT time for my daughter, Izzy, to read her Christmas gift of the book, It. I mean, she may not get through it by next Christmas, haha. That book is ginormous!

Watch movies

And, if you’re anything like me, watch your favorite ones for the 28th time! Again, go on a journey, real or fictitious, as long as it’s not yours. When I’m feeling down, I tend to gravitate toward rom coms, especially the ones set on a rainy day in New York City. If there is an adorable “Mary-Sue,” a happily-ever-after ending, and a cute coffee shop, I’m in! Those types of stories help me unwind, relax, and forget about my worries of the day.

Take off your shoes and step in grass

Yes, I’m suggesting you step outside! And, this is coming from someone who loathes this time of the year! Connecting with our Earth in this way has been shown to improve sleep patterns, decrease muscle tension, and lower stress. This article about getting fresh with grass is a great read. Check it out.

Go for a walk

We take our dog, Lil’ Rog, for evening walks when we can get them in after dinner. It’s so lovely to get some fresh air when the heat of the day has lessened. I’m not quite sure how our tiny pup has a gas (piss) tank the size of a Ford F-Series because every pole in our path has his DNA all over them. Aside from passing by the home of a female body-builder grunting her life away in her driveway, our walks are pretty uneventful. I just might approach her to inquire about her training services!

Create something

Whether it’s cooking an elaborate meal for yourself or loved ones, creating a journal out of pretty paper, or building something with wood, just create! Scratch that part of your brain that lies dormant when you’re staring at a computer or smartphone all day. Lower that screen time and nurture those skills! Some people assume cooking is an intimidating art they can’t learn without natural talent. You don’t need to be Francis Mallman, just get it going! You can start by making this simple Tofu Black Bean Buddha Bowl. And, documenting your thoughts and reflections on what’s happening in your life right now is powerfully therapeutic. Right now, you’ve got time!

So relax a little, why don’t you?

For other ideas on creating the most epic buddha bowls, check out my posts on Buddha Bowl Brilliance and Colorful Spring Buddha Bowl.

Tofu and Black Bean Buddha Bowl

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Print Recipe

When you’re looking for something easy to put together for a weekday lunch, this is a great option! Its crunchy tofu mixed with the creaminess of the avocado and tanginess of the sauce makes for a tasty meal I know you will enjoy!

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 block extra-firm tofu

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp each of cumin, salt, and paprika

2 large portobello caps, stems removed, sliced

1 poblano pepper, seeds removed, sliced into long strips

1 lime

1 cup of your favorite rice, cooked (I used a tri-wheat jasmine variety)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 avocado, sliced

1-15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups green leaf lettuce, shredded

hemp hearts and fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

For Cilantro Cream Sauce

1 cup vegan sour cream

juice of 1 lime

1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2- 1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine cornstarch, cumin, salt, and paprika in a large ziplock bag along with cubed tofu. Shake the bag until all of the tofu is covered with the seasoning. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add each tofu cube into skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes. Using a set of tongs, flip the cubes over to brown the other side. Set fried tofu on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. 

Pour most of the oil out of the pan into a small bowl to discard later. Add the mushrooms and poblanos to the skillet and sauté for 5-10 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden. Squeeze 1/2 of the lime over the mushrooms and peppers, then set aside off of the heat.

For the cilantro cream sauce

Combine the sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth. To thin the sour cream, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until it’s reached the consistency you like. 

To assemble the bowl.

Starting on one side of the bowl, add 1/2 cup of cooked rice, then add (going clock-wise) the tofu, chopped lettuce, black beans, and sliced avocado. Add the sliced tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms and peppers into the center of the bowl. Top with hemp hearts and cilantro. Drizzle with cilantro cream sauce and serve. 

• Author: Ruthie Landelius
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: bowl
• Method: stove top
• Cuisine: Mexican