I couldn’t resist adding what is perhaps my favorite salad dressing to a Glorious One-Pot Meal. And, boy, was I glad I did, because besides the ease of using a prepared sauce, this was a vegetarian dinner that the whole family loved. Frozen spinach works well in this recipe—just try to break the block into smaller chunks before adding to the pot. If the spinach has thawed, go ahead and squeeze out the water. If it is still frozen, don’t worry about it. Find arame seaweed at Asian markets or health food stores.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　2 teaspoons sesame oil

　　1/3 cup dried arame seaweed, loosely packed

　　4 to 7 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into cubes (see page 168)

　　3 tablespoons Annie’s Sesame-Shiitake Vinaigrette (or other brand of sesame dressing)

　　1 cup sushi rice

　　8 to 10 shiitake mushrooms, roughly chopped

　　1 medium golden beet, cut into 1/4-inch slices

　　2 cups chopped fresh spinach, or one 10-ounce package frozen

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Wipe the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with sesame oil.

　　

Step 3

Place the arame in a small bowl and add enough water to cover. Set aside.

　　

Step 4

Put the tofu in a medium bowl with the vinaigrette. Stir gently to coat the cubes.

　　

Step 5

Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear, then add to the pot. Pour in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water and stir to make an even layer. Scatter the mushrooms in a layer. Cover with the beet slices. Top with the tofu, including any dressing in the bowl.

　　

Step 6

Strain and rinse the seaweed and scatter over the tofu. Finish with as much spinach as will fit in the pot.

　　

Step 7

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 474

　　

Step 9

Protein: 16g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrates: 85g

　　

Step 11

Fat: 8g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 0

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 145g

　　

Step 14

Fiber: 9g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals