Tofu and Vegetables with Peanut Sauce

Wesak (also called Vesak), a Southeast Asian holiday, celebrates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. Wesak is one of the most important Buddhist events and is celebrated with color and gaiety. While Wesak food varies by country, it is proper for food to be vegetarian. This dish was simple to prepare and delicious! If your children do not like spice, you may want to omit the cayenne.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small head broccoli, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
6 mushrooms, sliced
1 pound firm tofu, cubed
1 small Thai chili pepper (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1-inch piece of ginger, minced (optional)
1/2 cup all-natural, chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup hot water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons agave or molasses
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (more, to taste)
2 cups cooked Asian rice

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Saute broccoli until par-cooked, about, 5 minutes. Add red bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, tofu and chili pepper (if using). Sautee 5 minutes.
2. While cooking, combine peanut butter, hot water, vinegar, soy sauce, agave and cayenne pepper. Pour over vegetables and tofu. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Serve atop rice.