Calling all frugalista foodies:  here is a simple, adaptable recipe to help you spice up your menu.

And for all you vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike — take heart:  these toothsome crumbles have flavor.  The key?  your freezer and liberal use of seasoning.  Use these crumbles in tacos, in a salad, in place of ground beef or turkey in chile — wherever you want some spicy little bits of protein-packed tofu goodness.

Spicy Tofu Crumbles

1 package firm tofu*
2 TB olive oil
1 tsp. chipotle powder
2 cloves garlic, crushed
sea salt
juice of one large or two small limes

Remove tofu from package, drain off water, chop into 1 inch chunks, and place in a bowl or plastic container.  Place in the freezer until frozen.  When you’re ready to make the crumbles remove tofu cubes from freezer, and allow to thaw on counter or speed up the process by microwaving the frozen tofu in 30 second intervals until thawed.  Press down lightly on the tofu to remove excess liquid.

Heat frying pan until hot, then add the oil, crushed garlic, and tofu.  Saute and break up the tofu until hot, slightly browned, and broken into the size crumbles you like.  Add the chipotle powder, lime juice and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Taste for seasoning and add more salt to taste.

* You may be able to find extra-firm or super-firm tofu.  If this is the case, you may omit the freezer step.  The freeze/thaw step just helps the tofu to drain more liquid, resulting in a firmer texture.