Step 1

Preheat the oven to 356ºF/180ºC.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, nutritional yeast, white miso paste, Japanese soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and tomato paste, until a smooth soft paste has formed.

Step 3

Crumble the drained and dried with paper towels tofu into bite-sized pieces (2 cm radius aprox) and place inside the large bowl. Mix well, using a sturdy spatula until all the tofu's been coated.

Step 4

Line two baking trays with sheets of parchment paper.

Step 5

Spread the coated tofu evenly over the lined baking trays. Bake in batches, on the middle rack of the oven for 45 minutes. Take out of the oven to stir through. Place back inside and bake again for 10-20 more minutes, or until it's looking chewy and dry. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 6

Gently toast the chilis in a skillet over low-medium heat until fragrant.

Step 7

Place the toasted chilis in a bowl and cover them with very hot water. Let them soak in the very hot water for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Drain, split, and remove the stems and seeds of the chilis.

Step 9

In a high-speed blender, combine the chilis, freshly ground cumin, freshly ground pepper, sea salt, and water, and blend until a very smooth sauce forms. Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the chili mixture, and discard the solids.

Step 10

In a large non-stick skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the canola oil, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the vegetable broth and chili sauce.

Step 11

Dissolve the cornstarch in the 1 cup of water, until there are no lumps. Add it to the skillet. Bring the skillet to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook until there are approximately 2 cups of liquid left. It takes about 1 hour.

Step 12

Stir in the Muscovado sugar, distilled white vinegar, and baked tofu bites, and let simmer for 10 more minutes.

Step 13

Turn off the heat and let it rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Enjoy this delicious and full of protein dish! And remember, a little goes a long way, this dish is SO filling!

Step 15

Serve hot, in small amounts, in bowls, accompanied by avocado and tomato salad, cornbread, and a dollop of our Vegan Sour Cream.