Tofu and Orzo with Kale, Carrots and Leeks

oh kale...  how i've mocked you so.
publicly declared my hatred, time and time again.

but i was nothing if not determined to conquer that hatred.  figure out what the redeeming factor was.  how other people could actually love this awful stuff.

(Yes, i am pretty sure that's a pig you see flying by your window, why do you ask?)

kale - consider yourself pwned.

We've had this twice in 1 week - the equivalent number of times that i'd eaten kale the rest of my entire life.  I dont know what was wrong with those first two batches i tried to make because i totally do not hate kale!  not even a little bit!

While i'm sad to give up my identity as the kale-hater, i am totally intrigued by all the doors this opens up...

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Tofu and Orzo with Kale, Carrots and Leeks
courtesy of On a Lobster Placemat with modifications by me

3/4 cup dry orzo

1/2 package of extra firm tofu, pressed to remove water
1/2 tbsp hot sesame oil
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
1 tsp siracha sauce (optional)
Salt
Pepper

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp siracha sauce (optional)
3 cloves minced garlic
3 medium carrots, sliced into disks
1 leek, sliced into disks
1 bunch fresh kale, destemmed and torn into small pieces
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
1 - 2 tbsp tamari
hot sesame oil

***

Prepare orzo according to package directions (for al dente pasta)

Heat 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tbsp olive oil & 1 tsp siracha in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.

Add 1.5 tbsp tamari and swish around to mix

Place sliced tofu in pan, adding salt & pepper to taste. (we went for a little salt and a lot of pepper)

While that is cooking, heat remaining olive oil and garlic in another frying pan over medium-low heat..

Let garlic brown a bit and then add the carrots.

Saute for a minute, then add the leeks.

Saute for another minute and then add the kale..

Saute all vegetables until the kale is wilted, tossing often.

Add sesame seeds in and toss some more.

Add orzo in with the vegetables.

Add a 1 - 2 tbsp tamari & a drop more hot sesame oil, if desired, and toss.

Once well combined, remove from heat.

Plate orzo and vegetables and top with tofu.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

Serves 2.