Cheesy Green Pesto & Tofu Rice

One of my favourite quick and easy lunches is my Cheesy Kimchi, Tofu & Carrot Rice dish. It turns leftover rice into a seriously comforting meal that has all the elements of a good toastie, but revolves around rice instead.

This is a green version, flavoured with pesto instead of kimchi. It also is a great vehicle for using up leftover greens. Add (or subtract) any ingredients which take your fancy and I hope you enjoy this rendition of a beloved recipe format as much as I do!

Note: the tofu and rice quantities especially just guides

INGREDIENTS

• small drizzle of garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil (or plain olive oil)
• small knob of dairy-free butter (optional)
• 1 small zucchini, very thinly sliced (I used a box grater) OR a handful of greens chopped small – e.g. broccoli, asparagus, kale, spinach
• 150g firm tofu, squeezed dry & finely cubed
• 1/2 cup cooked leftover rice (e.g. jasmine, long grain)
• 1 heaped tbsp dairy-free basil pesto
• handful frozen peas
• handful sliced spring onions
• small handful herbs – e.g. parsley, mint, dill (optional)
• splash of water
• handful grated dairy-free cheese

METHOD

1. In a small-medium frypan, heat a wee drizzle of garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil and a small knob of butter (if using). Once the butter has melted, add the sliced zucchini and sauté over low-medium heat for a few minutes until tender, but not mushy! You don't want the heat so high that the zucchini develops any colour.
2. Add the tofu cubes & rice. Stir to break up the rice and gently mix everything together.
3. Add the pesto, frozen peas, spring onions and herbs (if using) and stir everything together again for a minute.
4. Add a small splash of water and cover the pan with a lid. Leave for 30 seconds then remove the lid and briefly stir to redistribute everything. Add another small splash of water, then sprinkle the top with grated cheese and return the lid for 30 seconds or until the steam has melted the cheese. 
5. Take the pan off the heat, let sit for a minute before serving.