My mama is from Texas. If you listen closely you can still hear the twang when she says things like “oven” and “lawyer”. We like to tease her about it. Her mother, my grandma, was a round, squishy woman with a bad ass attitude who smelled of cigarette smoke and Juicy Fruit gum, but man she could cook up a storm. Growing up I remember her making huge meals filled with love but mostly butter, lard and fried…everything. Needless to say we lost her when I was fairly young but there is still something hugely comforting about a big southern meal. Though nowadays I try to make them a bit healthier.

When I’m feeling nostalgic, I usually make up a pot of mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, fried okra and some sort of fake chicken. On the most recent occasion when comfort food was desperately needed, my mom decided to make us some Southern Fried Tofu. I can’t take credit for this one, but I will definitely share her recipe with you guys.

We paired the crispy tofu goodness with roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts, vegan gravy and mashed potatoes (because in my book, a meal just isn’t a meal without some sort of potato). The tofu turned out divine! The “skin” was crisp and flavorful and the inside reached that perfect tofu texture of silky smooth without being mushy. It was fortunate there were two other diners that evening, otherwise I may have eaten all the tofu myself!

This recipe will be my new go-to when I’m craving comfort food for sure! What are some of your favorite comfort foods?

Southern Fried Tofu

By Kylie Bennett Published: February 23, 2015

My mama is from Texas. If you listen closely you can still hear the twang when she says things like "oven" and "lawyer". We like to …

Ingredients

• 2 CUPS Flour
• 1/2 tsp Dried Sage
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 3 TBSP Nutritional Yeast
• 1 TBSP Garlic Powder
• 1 14oz PACKAGE Extra Firm Tofu Drained & Pressed
• 1 CUP Veggie Broth
• Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large flat bowl and put veggie broth in a separate flat bowl.
2. In a large skillet over med-hi heat, pour about 1/2-3/4" of oil in the bottom.
3. Dip a tofu strip into the veggie broth then into the flour mixture making sure to coat it completely. Set aside. Coat the rest of the strips. Then repeat the process quickly dipping the already coated pieces back into the broth then the flour mixture.
4. Place the tofu into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, flipping half way through. Remove from oil and set on paper towels to drain. Serve hot.