Monday, July 11, 2011

Spaghetti Tofunaise

Once again I'm doubling up for Meal Planning Monday (food for the week) and MUMenTUM (fit and slim, support and motivation group). Click on the links for more information and entries to each club.

I'm not sure I qualify for either of the above this week. After losing 2.6kg (almost 6lbs) in two weeks, and feeling ubersmug about it, this week I have given back the 0.6kg I lost last week. Part of it is that I wasn't as careful as I should have been (due to being so smug) but it's also because if you lose too much to quickly you have to give some back sometimes. The important thing is to carry on rather than throwing in the towel because of one lousy week. I'm still 2kg less than when I started three weeks ago and maybe I needed this disappointment to remind me that I have to keep at it. Next week will be better - promise.

As for meals for the week - I'm still using the weekly meal plan I posted two weeks ago. I did explain last week that I will be sticking to it until I've written up all the recipes that people have asked for. So this week it's Spaghetti Tofunaise. Just to remind you, if you're expecting exact amounts you're in the wrong blog. And I also have to confess that this is a vegetarian dish that is trying to feel like meat. I know that's a no-no for some puritan veggies but some of us need like it.

Spaghetti Tofunaise

Fry a large onion and some garlic in a pot until they are golden. Put them in the processor with chunks of tofu and peeled chopped tomatoes. Pulse to a mincemeat-like texture. Return all the mixture to the pot and cook, seasoning with salt, pepper and light soy sauce. I often add a carrot and cube of chopped spinach from the freezer as it gets lost in the tofunaise but surely adds some health value. When it looks and tastes done (i.e. not too runny) turn off the heat and mix in some grated cheese. Serve tossed with spaghetti.

P.S. I usually make double quantity and freeze half with or without the cheese.
P.P.S This can also be used as the bottom layer of a vegetarian shepherd's pie.

24 comments:

  1. I love how you use spinach because it's healthy but try to hide it from yourself. I share the ability to achieve that level of denial -- ten kif!

    I know I'm a lone voice when I say this, but I happen to love green veggies -- brussel(s) sprouts, cabbage, green beans and yes -- spinach. I love it even more, since my sister pointed out to me that the non-voweled word written in Hebrew could also be pronounced "turd".

    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trollmamma - Hahaha I'm not hiding it from myself you shmeryl, I'm hiding from DD - although she does actually like a lot of vegetables. And I'm merely pointing out that you can add a healthy element without pandering to anyone's tastes and prejudices. Now if only I could find a way to hide 10kg+ of extra weight from myself....:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I will try this out this week. I normally grate a carrot into my sauce too because it melts away into nothing by the time its cooked!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fro' - Carrot sounds good. You can also jazz it up with mushroom or any other vegetables. Hope it comes out nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds yummy. You sound like you are in a good place at the moment and know that you wont lose every week particularly if you are not careful enough. Keep going and im sure you will reach your goal very soon xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks WL2BAYMummy, although very soon isn't really possible. I just want to keep going and not give up like I usually do. But you are right, I am in a good place at the moment :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. As a vegetarian for best part of 17 years I could never get the hang of tofu... Might give this one a try though as I can hide lots of veggies in it! Coincidentally I am tucking into Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni as I read this - spinach right out in the open!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Forest Flower - I'm never going to live the spinach thing down. I love spinach, I was just saying for parents of picky eaters. This really is an easy recipe, I hope you enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like your philosophy that sometimes you have to give a little back x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Notyet - it's a good one isn't it. Of course I didn't make it up myself....

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love your jump back on the horse attitude xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wishing you a great week Rachel, I hope you have a nice loss to reward you for your great attitude about giving back!

    Mich x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Liska - probably me, some days I'll eat anything.

    Mich - thank you. Amen for all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks great, will give it a try. Thanks. Susan

    ReplyDelete
  15. Let me know how it comes out Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 2nd in 3 weeks is really good going!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I mean 2kg not 2nd - stupid predictive text auto correct!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your spagetti tofumaise sounds really nice and I love the name! Well done on your weight loss and for keeping going. I had a really disappointing week last week but this week was rewarded with a minute loss of 1lb, but its still a loss! Keep going and you will probably lose about 6lbs

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks Motherporridge - I am trying to keep that i nmind, that it was still 2kg in three weeks despite 'giving some back'.

    R. Pages - You have hit the nail on the head, the hard part is to not give up. I'm really trying to stay focussed. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the fact that you used tofu in a bolognese sauce. I'm going to try it.

    (Popping over from "Chronicles of a Reluctant Housedad")

    Anne @ Domesblissity

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fab idea to whizz tofu up! Being gluten free never sure if I can eat tofu or not, must investigate :-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Think I will have to try this....I have tofu in the cupboard & apart from doing a stir fry never know what to do with it. Will give this a go.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I know this is vegetarian, but it would easily go down well with a meat eater like me. Cracking variation on the 'naise' theme. Thanks for sharing.
    Keith aka Reluctant Housedad

    ReplyDelete