Braised Five-Spice Tofu

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder chinese
• 1 cup carrots diagonally sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper red crushed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil dark
• 1 pound extra-firm tofu firm drained cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3  garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon gingerroot grated peeled
• 1 cup bell pepper diced green
• 2 cups green onions sliced 1-inch
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 
• 0.5 cup catsup 
• 0.3 cup soya sauce low-sodium
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses 
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange rind grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 
• 3  star anise 
• 1 cup tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup sacremento tomato juice 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan

Directions

1. Combine first 12 ingredients in a bowl; stir well, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add tofu, and cook 6 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally.
4. Add tomato juice mixture, green onions, and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Discard star anise.
5. Serve over rice.