Sprouted Pumpkin Seed Salad

Actor Matthew Modine is perhaps best known for his performance in Stanley Kubrick’s movie Full Metal Jacket and as Dr. Martin “Papa” Brenner in the global phenomenon Stranger Things. Now 65, Modine still impresses many with his vitality and appearance. Fellow actor John Cleese, speaking about Modine’s role in the award-winning existential film The Martini Shot, remarked that the star “looks great.”

Modine’s youthful appearance and energy are no accident. Primarily a vegan, Modine consumes a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables and emphasizes the importance of eating organic and non-GMO foods. He also practices regular fasting and enjoys creating delicious plant-based meals in his kitchen. Here, he shares one of his versatile favorites. 

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls coleslaw mix (carrots, purple and white cabbage) or 1 carrot, grated, and 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons veganaise (vegan mayonnaise)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (any type: seeded, yellow, brown, or Dijon)
• 1 large dill pickle, chopped
• 3 pieces sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
• 2 radishes, thinly sliced (optional, for a peppery pop)
• 1 box Pumfu (about 10 ounces) or homemade pumpkin seed tofu (can also use chickpea tofu)
• 1/2 purple onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix (or grated carrot and chopped celery), vegenaise, mustard, dill pickle, sun-dried tomatoes, radishes (if using), purple onion, and apple cider vinegar.

2. Add the Tofu:
   • Crumble the Pumfu or homemade tofu into the bowl with the other ingredients.

3. Mix the Salad:
   • Using your hands, gently massage all the ingredients together until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors.

4. Season and Marinate:
   • Be cautious with adding additional salt, as the pickles and sun-dried tomatoes already contain salt. Let the salad sit and marinate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:
   • Enjoy the salad on its own, open face on a slice of toast with tomato and arugula, or piled onto a bed of your favorite salad greens.

Tips:

• Substitutions: Try this dish with fresh organic celery and carrots, or other vegetable favorites.
• Nutritional Note: Cabbage is a delicious cruciferous vegetable filled with health benefits.
• Homemade Tofu: Homemade pumpkin seed tofu or chickpea tofu can be used as alternatives to Pumfu.

Storage:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad!