Vegetarian Tofu Tacos

I am constantly looking for delicious, fresh and nourishing vegetarian meals to supplement the meat we eat on other days. Living with a serious carnivore like Prof. Hubs (the man would eat three meals of meat a day) makes the search even more of a challenge because serious meat eaters are very picky about their vegetarian protein sources. These tofu tacos are a favorite meal at our house (that's true for me AND Prof. carnivore/hubs...) We eat them at least once a week. This is a wonderful meal for a family because everyone can customize the tacos completely and it's fun for a group because it's eaten with the hands and is a bit messy. AND it's fresh, nourishing, vegetarian, and delicious.

Feel free to customize as you like; I'm sure the spice rub would be great on ground beef/turkey/chicken instead of tofu but that defeats the point for me.

TOFU TACOS

1 package small corn tortillas

1 package WATER-PACKED extra firm tofu (the cardboard-packed kind is too slippery and just isn't crumbly enough)

2 to 3 TBSP spice rub (recipe below)

salt

1 onion, sliced into rounds

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained and rinsed

GARNISHES

reduced fat shredded mexican cheese

1 avocado or fresh guacamole (mix avocado with half a lime and some salt to make fresh guac)

chopped cilantro

sour cream

fresh salsa

SPICE MIX (This recipe makes extra-I keep it in a plastic bag so I always have some around)

combine:

3 TBSP ground paprika

1 TBSP ground cumin

2 TBSP oregano

1 tsp (I probably add more like 1 TBSP because I like some heat) ground cayenne

1 tsp garlic powder or dried garlic

Instructions:

If you have the time freeze the package of tofu for an hour. The process of freezing and then defrosting increases the crumbling/meaty texture. If not, skip this step.

In a large sauté pan heat a bit of olive oil over high and add onion. Cook until translucent then add beans and corn, lower heat to medium-high.

In a different pan, heat olive oil over medium high to high. Crumble in tofu, add spice mixture and salt to taste. I find it needs a bit of salt... Stir to combine. I like to stir and then rest the tofu over heat for a bit so that the tofu develops a crust. I find it's more meaty. The stir/rest thing lasts for about five minutes. Meanwhile:

Prepare garnishes in an assembly line (I like to have Cheese, guac, sour cream, salsa, cilantro)

Heat tortillas (I do it on the stove in a small pan over medium heat or in the microwave...follow package directions.)

Assemble tortillas and enjoy (with lots of napkins!)

Extreme close-up of delicious taco filling goodness....