If you have been thinking about trying to go vegan it can feel a little overwhelming to start with but there are so many benefits to eating a more plant-based diet. When you are eating a vegan diet it is important to get your recommended amount of good quality protein which can include beans, lentils, pulses, nuts and seeds and I like to add in tofu. People often ask how to cook tofu or to add in some flavour so for January I thought I would share this simple smoked tofu with Puy lentil salad recipe. 

First of all you need to get good quality tofu and avoid the more highly processed tofu. This requires studying the labels and getting one with a higher bean content and without ingredients or chemicals you don’t recognise. 

The second thing to remember when cooking with tofu is that it is like a sponge and will soak up flavours, so to make it tasty you could use tamari or soy sauce or get creative with spices and herbs. One of my favourites is paprika which I have used in this recipe and adds a really nice smoky flavour. 

Here is a quick and simple vegan recipe, packed with protein from the tofu and puy lentils and bursting with flavour. It is filling but a light meal to enjoy if you have been overindulging at Christmas. 

Ingredients – serves 2

½ tablespoon of rapeseed oil

1 large courgette – finely diced 

100g smoked tofu – finely diced 

½ tsp smoked paprika 

1 ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the salad 

250g sachet cooked puy lentils 

Small handful of rocket

1 red onion finely chopped 

1 medium roasted red pepper chopped

6 chopped sundried tomatoes 

Smoked Tofu and Puy Lentil Salad

1. Heat the rapeseed oil in a fry pan, add the courgettes, tofu and smoked paprika. 

2. Cook for a few minutes to soften the courgettes and allow the tofu to cook

3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and allow to reduce

4. To make the salad mix together the lentils, rocket, chopped onion, tomatoes and pepper 

5. Add the courgettes and tofu and Enjoy!

 If eating a single portion the rest will keep in the fridge for two days in an air tight container