Jerk Tofu Grain Bowl: A Flavorful and Easy Meatless Meal 🌶️

The tofu is "jerked" to perfection, giving it a smoky and spicy flavor. The addition of roasted sweet potatoes adds a touch of sweetness, while the black beans and rice provide a satisfying base. This grain bowl is also a great way to get your veggies in, with the colorful bell peppers adding a vibrant crunch. This recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful meal, or as a side dish for a larger spread.

Ingredients You'll Need 👩‍🍳:

• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil, divided
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (14 ounce) package extra firm tofu
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons jerk marinade

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice: Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Keep warm.
2. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes in 1 tablespoon oil. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast sweet potatoes in the preheated oven until tender but not too soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Sauté the peppers: Heat a cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add red, green, and orange bell peppers and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the tofu: Add remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil to the same skillet. Add tofu evenly. Cook for 2 minutes and gently flip to the other side. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until tofu gets a little crisp on the edges, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Add the jerk marinade: Add jerk marinade, being deliberate about making sure tofu is covered. Once tofu starts to caramelize from the marinade, remove from heat.
6. Warm the black beans: Warm black beans in a microwave-safe dish until hot, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
7. Assemble the grain bowls: Divide rice, tofu, peppers, sweet potatoes, and black beans evenly into individual serving bowls.

Tips for Success:

• For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of hot sauce to your bowl.
• If you don't have jerk seasoning, you can use a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and allspice.
• Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or corn.
• For a vegan option, substitute the jerk marinade with a vegan jerk marinade.

A Nutritional Breakdown: Unveiling the Details

This recipe, designed for 6 servings, offers a caloric intake of 305 calories per serving. Let's delve into the macronutrient breakdown: