Blue Zone – Veggie Champuru – Okinawa

Veggie Champuru

“Hara Hachi Bu” – eat until you’re 80% full. Wise words from our friends in Okinawa, Japan.

What Inspired this recipe?

I made this Veggie Champuru recipe for the first time last year, after seeing the documentary. Being the foodie and health nut that I am, I couldn’t help but be so curious about the diets and actual recipes from these regions. When wanting to make a Blue Zone recipe – not an inspired recipe, but an attempt at an authentic one to the best of your ability – it can be hard. I found this recipe and was eager to try it because its simple and truly anyone can make it. Also, I myself am not a bug tofu eater but it was so good. The tofu comes out crispy and flavorful. I really enjoyed it. Please forgive the lack of step by step photos, I made this recipe before I had a blog. When I make this again I will be taking photos for you guys. I do have a video readily available on my IG for this recipe which can also be very helpful. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a recipe and you will have an easy spot to save your favorites!

Blue Zone – Okinawa Japan

Here’s a little bit I have learned about this blue zone. Okinawans have less cancer, heart disease and dementia, and women there live longer than any women on the planet, which is pretty crazy. There are three Japanese words I see circling around the Okinawa blue zone theme. “Ikigai” – which is basically purpose in life. “Moai” – A powerful social circle. “Hara Hachi Bu” – eat until you’re 80% full. These words are used often there and are a big reason why people believe the Okinawans are living so long! According to some studies it is also shown that Okinawans eat a lot of sweet potato’s. There diets are typically plant-based with some meat here and there. They also like to typically eat only till they are about 80% full so they don’t over eat or feel heavy/gorge themselves. It’s interesting to learn about these things! Remember to do your research before making major dietary changes!

Now for the Blue Zone, Veggie Champuru Recipe.

The Ingredients:

These are the ingredients I used for a small batch but if you are planning to make a whole dinner I would triple everything except the Tofu. I would double the tofu to a full pound.

• 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1/2 Lb Firm Tofu
• 1 Clove Minced Garlic
• 1 Carrot, Julienned – cut thin and long
• 1 Cup Of Greens – I used spinach but you can also use kale
• 1 Cup Of Napa Cabbage – thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce – I use low sodium
  

Method:

-First thing we are going to do is cook the tofu. Drain tofu into the skin and pat dray with a paper towel. Then cut the tofu into 1 in cubes. If you are making this recipe larger you can cut the tofu smaller.

-In a large pan add sesame oil over medium/high heat and then tofu. Stir fry on all sides until it becomes golden brown. Now remove the tofu from the heat to a bowl and set aside.

-With a good knife, chop the spinach, save the stems and chop the napa cabbage thin. For the carrot I like to use a potato peeler to make it nice and thin.

-In the same pan you used for the tofu, add minced garlic and spinach stems over medium heat. If you need more oil feel free to add a bit more. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until a bit fragrant.

-Time to add the spinach, napa cabbage and carrots. Sauté till wilted. Now add the soy sauce. You can toss the tofu back in the pan to heat it up a bit if needed – I felt mine needed to be heated quickly again.

-Plate your dish immediately and top with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. YAY!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this recipe. I hope it serves you and your family!

Other Recipes You Will Love:

Gallo Pinto – Costa Rican Blue Zone Recipe – Simple and amazing.
Sardinian Minestrone – Blue Zone Recipe – Fall in a bowl of healthy life loving food.
Black Eyed Pea Stew – Ikarian Blue Zone Recipe – Probably my favorite out of the blue zone recipes I’ve made so far.
Sardinian Herb Soup – Blue Zone Recipe – The crowd favorite by far. A must try.

Questions/Comments?

If you have a moment please leave me a comment on how this recipe turned out for you! I love hearing from you all and it really helps me out if you guys leave me an honest comment.
Also, if you have any other questions, please feel free to comment on this post as well. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns!