Do you want to overeat something without pangs of guilt??
Presenting - TOFU – also known as BEAN CURD / SOY CHEESE.Sometimes it is also referred the ‘cheese of Asia’ .The Chinese call it ‘Doufu’
It is low in cholesterol and calories but high in protein.It is also a good source of iron,selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, copper, calcium and magnesium.
A perfect meat – substitute and a good source of protein and iron for the vegetarians.
CULINARY USES:
There are a lot of things you can do with tofu. You can bake it, fry it, scramble it,sauté it ,use it as a stuffing for parathas/chappathis.Soft tofu can be blended with any fruit of your choice and you can have a nutritious milkshake/smoothie!
Since the tofu is bland it blends in with any dish you put it into.
PREPARING THE TOFU FOR COOKING:
If the tofu you buy comes with packaged water,it has to be drained before cooking.Since tofu is like a sponge,it absorbs a lot of water and hence just squeezing out the water will not help.
Place the tofu on some paper towels and apply constant pressure on it [place some heavy object ,anything,even your grocery container].Wait for 15-20 minutes and then use it for cooking.
Here is very simple tofu recipe that I am sending across for AWED event
FRIED TOFU FINGERS
This tastes great on its own or can be savoured with a dip.It is sooo easy to prepare and can be served as finger-food/snack in parties.
Though deep fried food is infrequent in Chinese menu, this is one more dish that has been modified to suit our tastes!
You need:
Tofu – 250 grams
Corn flour – 2-3 tablespoons
Minced garlic – 1 tablespoon
Sesame seeds[white] – 1 teaspoon
Salt - to taste
Pepper powder - to taste
Oil – to deep fry
1.Cut the tofu into finger sized pieces / cubes
2.Combine all the ingredients except oil.
3.Toss well so that the tofu is coated with flour and the other ingredients. Sprinkle a water if necessary.
4.Let is stand for half and hour so that it absorbs the flavours.
5.Heat oil in a pan and deep fry in medium heat ,till the tofu fingers turn brown.
6.Drain on paper towels and serve as such or with any dip/sauce.
I am going to serve fried tofu fingers with black magic dip!! Nothing to worry, I just named it 'black magic’ to add a kick to the dish!!!
BLACK MAGIC DIP
YOU NEED:
Light soya sauce – 100 ml
Minced ginger – 2 teaspoons
A dash of white pepper
Sesame seed oil – ½ teaspoon
It is so simple that all you need to do is combine the ingredients and serve.
This is also ideal as a ‘pouring sauce’ for bland noodles.
Displayed here is fried tofu fingers served with hot and sweet tomato sauce and black magic dip.