Vegan Tofu Turkey (Tofurkey)

Recipe from the Chef In You. My poor Tofu Turkey split open while cooking :( Might have something to do with the fact that I had to use 2 medium firm tofu packets out of the 5 because the store only had 3 extra-firm tofu packets. My husband actually cut a piece off (after it was done cooking) and fried it in a pan and it taste like fried chicken.

Vegan Tofu Turkey ( Tofurkey )

Ingredients

For the Tofu Turkey

5 14-oz. tubs extra-firm tofu
2 tsp. ground dried thyme
2 tsp. rubbed sage
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
About 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
I also added;
2 tsp vegetable stock powder
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

For the Marinade

1/4 -1/2 cups low sodium tamari or gluten free soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp orange juice
1/2 tsp sesame oil

For the Stuffing

About 4 cups of gluten free bread cubes ( or use oatmeal or whole wheat bread cubes)
1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 small-medium red onion, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
1 apple, peeled and diced ( i kept the peel)
1 tsp oil for frying
1/2 tbsp fresh sage, cut into thin strips
1/2 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp ground peppercorns
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cups dried cherries
1/2 cup no-salt vegetable broth or water


Method

Previous night...
Bring the tofu to room temperature. Squeeze tofu of excess water and take small bits and place them in a processor.
Process them little by little until smooth.
Place them in a large bowl and mix all the seasoning.
You can at this point even taste the tofu and add more seasoning or flavor to make sure it does not taste real bland.
Wet cheesecloth, wring it out and smoothly line a colander with it—no wrinkles.
Drop the tofu inside the colander and press it into the sides and bottom of the colander.
Place this colander on a plate. Bring the hanging cheesecloth on the sides into the center to cover the tofu.

Now place a plate right on top of the tofu and give it a slight press.
Use a heavy object to place on top of the plate. This is to help the tofu drain excess water through the colander.
Place this inside the refrigerator overnight (ideal time). This helps the tofu to absorb the seasoning well too.

On the day...
Place the cubed bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated 225F oven for 20-30 minutes or until dry and crisp.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet. Add about 1 tsp oil and saute the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Add celery and saute for 2 minutes more.
Stir in the apples along with other seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes. Add maple syrup and the vinegar and remove from heat.
Combine the bread cubes along with apple mixture. Stir in almonds and dried cherries. Transfer to a greased baking sheet and pour broth over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the stuffing begins to brown on top. You can make a crisp filling by removing the foil and baking for 10 minutes more.

For the Marinade Mix all the ingredients for the under the marinade until combined.

For the Assembly Preheat oven to 375F.
Drain the Tofu water from the plate on which you placed the colander.
Remove weight and plate from colander.

Now scoop some tofu from the center. Make sure to leave at least 1-2 inches on the sides and bottom.
Now fill this hollow with the stuffing.
Now top the stuffing with the scooped out tofu.
Make sure to smooth the surface and level it out.
Place a large oven to table baking sheet (I used a pie plate large enough to cover the colander opening) on top of the colander.
Hold tightly, and slowly invert colander onto the plate so that tofu-turkey drops gently onto dish.
Now slowly remove the cheesecloth from the tofu.
Baste the tofu turkey with the prepared marinade.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Baste again. reduce the heat to 350F and bake for another 1 hour, basting as many times it strikes your fancy.
Once baked, you see a beautifully crisped tofu surface.

Hubby's fried Tofu Turkey...