The cart’s owner wants to keep his recipes under wraps, so the following is an approximation of one of his signature dishes.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu

　　1 egg, lightly beaten

　　1/3 cup bread crumbs

　　1/2 small onion, minced

　　1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

　　1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

　　1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

　　2 cups favorite tomato sauce, store-bought or homemade

　　1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

　　4 cups cooked rice or pasta

　　

Step 1

Remove the tofu from its package and discard the liquid. Wrap the tofu in a few paper towels, place on a plate, and rest a heavy pan or cast iron skillet on top for 30 minutes. Unwrap the tofu and set aside.

　　

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and pressed tofu, egg, bread crumbs, onion, herbs, and spices, mixing well with your hands until thoroughly combined. Form the tofu into balls the size of golf balls and arrange in a single layer in a baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Remove the dish from the oven and increase the heat to 450°F (or preheat the broiler, if you have one). Spoon the tomato sauce over the top of the meatballs and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Place the dish back in the oven and continue to cook until the cheese has just melted and is lightly browned, 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with the rice or pasta.

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