Yogurty Tofu Barley Simmer

Half stir-fry, half simmer sauce, all delicious. If you are trying to eat healthy and are tired of chicken and rice, give this recipe a try. My wife and I are changing our diets and experimenting with recipes for our new protein choices. This one was tasty and very different from the usual boring tofu fare.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 379 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 pinch paprika, or to taste
• coarse sea salt
• 4 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ cups Greek-style yogurt
• 1 cup white pearl barley
• 1 large green onion, white and green parts separated and chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) container extra firm tofu, drained and cubed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring the water a boil in a saucepan. Stir barley into the water and return to a boil; reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until the moisture is completely absorbed, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook the garlic, about 1/4 of the white part of the green onion, and a pinch of salt in the hot oil until the onion begins to turn glassy, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the tofu into the onion and garlic; continue cooking and stirring another 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3

Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into the skillet; when the oil is again hot, cook the remaining white part of the green onion in the hot oil with a pinch of sea salt until they are soft and translucent. Stir the yogurt, green onion, oregano, and flour together in a small bowl and add to the skillet along with the cooked barley; mix thoroughly and cook until the mixture begins to bubble. Fold the tofu into the mixture; continue cooking until thoroughly reheated, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with pepper and remove from heat. Sprinkle paprika over the dish to serve.