Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Sheryl Crow's Bruschetta with Tofu Spread and Summer Vegetables

Aired on: August 9, 2011, April 6, 2011

Chuck: "Classic bruschetta, made by topping garlic-rubbed toast with sliced tomatoes, basil, and onions, can’t be beat in the summer when vegetables and herbs are at their height of ripeness, and this recipe is no exception. The tofu spread bursts with flavors that complement the tomatoes and cukes, while the pickled red onions add their own special hints of sweet and sour. The tofu spread is endlessly versatile, as it can be daubed on other sandwiches or served with crackers as a dip."

Ingredients

8 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup light olive oil (or 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons canola oil)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 slices whole-grain bread, lightly toasted
4 to 5 medium-size ripe tomatoes, preferably organic, cored and sliced
16 slices English cucumber
½ cup Pickled Red Onions
¼ cup roughly chopped assorted fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, parsley, and chives

Yields: Serves 8

Preparation

Cut the pressed tofu into small chunks and transfer them to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add the lemon juice, parsley, mustard, and garlic powder and pulse 10 to 15 times. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and then pulse for about 15 seconds.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the oil through the feed tube into the tofu mixture, blending until it is the consistency of mayonnaise, 2 to 3 minutes. If necessary, thin the tofu with water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and pulse to mix. Set aside until ready to use, or transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of tofu spread on each slice of toast. Top with the tomato and cucumber slices and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Top each open-faced sandwich with pickled onions and a generous sprinkling of fresh herbs.