VIETNAMESE TOFU AND NOODLS SALAD

Packed with protein-boosting tofu and baby green edamame, this gingered salad is mixed with buckwheat needles, making it a superfood feast.

SERVES: 4 PREP: 15 MINS, PLUS MARINATING COOK: 8 MINS

14 ounces firm chilled tofu, drained and cut into 8 slices

4 ounces buckwheat soba noodles

1⅓ cups frozen edamame

1 carrot, cut into matchstick strips

1¼ cups snow peas, cut into matchstick strips

4 ounces rainbow Swiss chard, stems cut into matchstick strips, leaves thinly shredded

⅓ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

MARINADE

2 tablespoons tamari sauce or soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 red chile, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

1 ½-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

DRESSING

¼ cup virgin canola oil

juice of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon sweet chili dipping sauce

1 Line the bottom of the broiler pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the tofu on the broiler pan in a single layer and fold up the edges of the foil to make a dish.

2 To make the marinade, mix together the tamari sauce, sesame seeds, chile, if using, and half the ginger in a small bowl. Spoon it over the tofu, then let marinate for 10 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook according to package directions, adding the frozen edamame for the last 3-4 minutes and cooking until just tender. Drain into a strainer, then rinse under cold running water.

4 Put the carrot, snow peas, Swiss chard stems and leaves, and cilantro in a large salad bowl. Add the noodles and edamame and gently toss.

5 To make the dressing, put the oil, lemon juice, sweet chili dipping sauce, and remaining ginger into a bowl and whisk with a fork. Pour over the salad and gently toss.

6 Preheat the broiler to medium-high. Turn the tofu over in the marinade, then broil for 2 minutes on each side, or until browned. Let cool for a few minutes, then cut into cubes and sprinkle over the salad with any remaining marinade and serve.

TERRIFIC TOFU

An everyday ingredient in Chinese and Thai cooking, tofu is made in much the same way that we make cheese, but using soy milk. It is rich in protein, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and other minerals, but low in fat. It is believed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and help protect against heart disease.