Jerk Tofu Wrapped in Collard Leaves

1. Marinate Tofu

Start by cutting each block of tofu in half horizontally, then cut each half vertically down the center to yield four pieces per block. Pour the Jerk Marinade into a large baking dish, adding water if necessary to ensure the tofu is covered. Arrange the tofu in the dish, making sure they form an even layer. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, flipping the tofu every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to ensure it marinates evenly.

2. Prepare Collard Leaves

When the tofu has marinated sufficiently, remove it from the dish, scraping off any excess marinade, and strain the marinade to set aside for later. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt. Blanch the collard leaves one at a time in the boiling water for about 30 seconds each, then dry them on clean towels.

3. Coat and Fry Tofu

Combine the arrowroot powder and 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt on a plate, and coat each piece of tofu in this mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat a generous amount of peanut oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on both sides, which will give them a delightful crispy texture. Transfer the tofu to a rack to let any excess oil drain off.

4. Assemble Collard Pouches

Overlap two collard leaves and place a piece of tofu in the center. Add a spoonful of the reserved marinade and a few garlic chips on top of the tofu, then fold the collard leaves around it to create a neat packet. Repeat this process with the remaining tofu pieces.

5. Cook Collard Pouches

Wipe the skillet clean and warm a bit more peanut oil over medium heat. Place the tofu packets in the skillet, folded-side up, and cook for about 1 minute. Carefully flip the packets, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5 more minutes until they are warmed through.

6. Serve

To serve, spread a generous spoonful of cilantro sauce on each plate. Place two tofu packets on each plate and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and crushed peanuts. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this Caribbean-inspired dish!