Gado Gado (peanutty vegetables and rice)

It's official. Adam has declared his favorite meal (which is a very big deal indeed). I must admit, although my taste-buds are expansive, this would definitely be in my top 3. This is essentially an over-glorified stir-fry, but what is so delicious about this is the different layers of taste. Every bite is something different, which makes for a more interesting meal. Also, the peanut sauce that goes on top is AWESOME. I will definitely use it in other recipes, not just this one. I got this recipe from "The New Moosewood Cookbook"

Ingredients (Serves 4):
2 cups of rice
3 cups water
1/2 tsp turmeric

Vegetables (you can vary these ingredients to your liking):
1 bag of spinach
1 Bell pepper (red, green, yellow or orange)
1 head of broccoli
2 cups of coleslaw mix (The kind that has cabbage and carrots. You could also grate your own cabbage or carrots, but the pre-made store bought ones are easier).

Tofu, or meat alternative, cubed
1 tbsp sesame oil, or olive oil

Peanut Sauce:
1 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup hot water (more may be needed, until desired consistency)
4 tbsp apple cider
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
crushed red pepper to taste

1) Bring rice and water to a boiling point. Add turmeric, stir, and simmer rice on lower heat until cooked.
2) Steam spinach in a large pot with a tiny bit of water (until cooked)
3) Fry tofu (or meat alternative) in oil until browned. Add vegetables (except for cabbage mix) into the pan, saute until the broccoli is cooked slightly (leaving a bit of a crisp).
4) For the sauce, whisk all ingredients together (the original recipe says to slightly cook the ginger and garlic, but I don't think this is necessary).
5) The layers: Place 1/4 of the cooked spinach on to a plate. Place 1/4 of the yellow rice on top of that. Place 1/4 of the veggie/ tofu mix on top of the rice. Place a nice handful of uncooked cabbage mixture on top of the veggies. Stream (pour) the peanut sauce on top of this. Enjoy!