These scrumptious little muffins earn an A+ in flavor, are highly nutritious (packed with dense plant based protein) and are nearly impossible to just have one. They are super easy to make and delicious right out of the oven or chilled in the refrigerator. You can use whatever combination of veggies you like, throw in your favorites nuts or seeds and season to your liking – the possibilities are absolutely endless. These tasty gems remind me of little quiche lorraine’s without the crust and using tofu to simulate the eggs and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. I haven’t quite decided whether these muffins should be on the breakfast, lunch or dinner menu – or maybe served as an appetizer or snack. Whatever you decide, I hope you find these healthy little muffins as irresistably delicious as I do.
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 serrano pepper chopped (seeds included)
- 1 medium zuccini cut in small pieces
- 5 button mushrooms cut in small pieces
- 3 green onions cut in small pieces (use both white and green parts)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. tumeric powder
- 14 oz. container extra firm tofu (pressed for at least 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (see notes)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 baking soda
- 2-3 tbsp. dairy free milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower or pepita seeds or chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast (optional)
Directions
- Place 1/4 cup water in a skillet then add the chopped vegetables and spices (first 10 ingredients) and saute for 5 minutes or until water evaporates.
- Process the tofu, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast (if using), baking powder and baking soda in a food processor. Add the 2-3 tbsp. of dairy free milk and process again until the mixture is smooth and dough like.
- Place the tofu mixture, sauteed vegetables and seeds/nuts (if using) in a large bowl and mix together thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture in a silicone muffin mold.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until muffins are a golden brown. Wait until the muffins cool down completely before removing from the molds.
Special Notes
- You can use whatever vegetables appeal to you for a total of 2 cups chopped vegetables.
- The nutritional yeast will give the muffins a cheesy flavor but is completely optional.
- A tofu press removes excess water from the tofu. Failing to remove the water will result in a soggy muffins. If you don’t have a tofu press you can improvise as in the fourth and fifth picture.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is made from dried soybeans that have been soaked, crushed and then boiled. The mixture is then separated into solid curds and soymilk. The curds are pressed into solid blocks which is the tofu. The Japanese word tofu means bean curd.
Plain tofu tastes bland but, like a sponge, it will soak up the flavors it is cooked in. Tofu is very low in saturated fat, rich in heart healthy unsaturated fat, has no cholesterol, is glutin-free and is an excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamins. Tofu is technically not considered a whole food because it is processed (although minimally). Despite this, it is still considered “green light”because of all the health benefits.
