וניווערסאַל געשמאַק: קוקינג קיילים מיט טאָפו קעז

This product is never translated in the refrigerator for vegetarians. Fans of Asian cuisine are also crazy about it. For those who keep a fast and long for dairy products, it will be an invaluable find. It’s all about tofu cheese. Where did it come from? What is it made of and how is it produced? What dishes with his participation can be prepared at home? Read the answers to these questions in our article.

The error came out

China is considered to be the birthplace of tofu cheese. This means that it was not without a profound legend of its creation. According to legend, tofu was accidentally invented by the alchemist Liu An in 164. However, initially he set himself a different goal — to invent an elixir of eternal life for the emperor. He mixed mashed beans and sea salt in a plate, after which he safely forgot about the experiment. When he tried the curdled mixture, he was pleasantly surprised. Let the magic potion did not work, but the cheese came out excellent.

Today, as before, soy milk is taken as the basis for tofu, to which a coagulant is added. This is an enzyme that turns milk into a cheese jelly-like clot. Such properties are endowed with vinegar, lemon juice and nigare-a precipitate formed after evaporation of sea salt. The curd mass with a coagulant is heated, placed in molds and kept under a press for several hours. Sometimes dill, garlic, tomatoes, nuts, paprika, seaweed, spinach and even dried fruits are put in the cheese.

Hard, but soft

Soy cheese can be hard and soft. The first one has a rather dense texture. To achieve the desired consistency, the curd mass is placed in a mold covered with cotton material. The excess liquid is pulled out, and the tofu becomes solid. Hence the name-cotton cheese, or momen-goshi. Soft tofu is obtained by fermenting soy mass in a silk fabric, which makes it acquire a delicate creamy texture. This cheese is called kinu-goshi, that is, silk cheese.

The main feature of tofu is that it easily accepts the taste of other ingredients. Therefore, you can make it spicy, salty, sour or with bitterness. Seasonings play an important role here. Hard tofu is added to salads, side dishes, meat and fish dishes, soups, pasta. And it can also be deep-fried.

Soft tofu is suitable for cream soups, sauces for hot dishes, fruit desserts. It makes extremely delicious puddings, cheesecakes, casseroles, thick smoothies and smoothies. As an independent dessert, soft tofu is also good. It is enough to supplement it with chocolate topping, jam or maple syrup.

Cheese in colorful colors

And now we turn to the recipes themselves. We suggest starting with fried tofu with vegetables. This light, but hearty salad in a hurry can afford even those who strictly follow the figure.

ינגרעדיענץ:

• tofu — 200 g
• פּאָמידאָר - 1 פּיסי.
• וגערקע - 1 פּיסי.
• אַוואָקאַדאָ - 1 פּיסי.
• lettuce leaves — 4-5 pcs.
• paprika, salt, black pepper, sesame, herbs, lemon juice — to taste
• olive oil for frying and dressing
• flour — 2-3 tbsp. l.

We cut the tofu into large cubes, roll it in a mixture of flour and paprika, quickly fry it on all sides in a greased frying pan. We spread the fried cheese on paper towels. We cut the cucumber into semicircles, the tomato into slices, and the avocado pulp into a cube. Cover the bowl with lettuce leaves, spread layers of fried tofu, tomato, cucumber and avocado. Sprinkle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, and before serving, sprinkle with chopped herbs and white sesame seeds.

Japanese buckwheat hit

Buckwheat noodles with mushrooms and tofu cheese are a very popular dish in Japan. It will not be difficult to prepare it at home. It is not necessary to take exactly soba. Ramen, udon or funchosa are also suitable.

ינגרעדיענץ:

• buckwheat noodles-250 g
• tofu — 150 g
• מאַשרומז - 200 ג
• ציבעלע - 1 קאָפּ
• גרין אַניאַנז-2-3 פעדערז
• סאַלאַט בלעטער-3-4 פּקס.
• grated ginger root-0.5 tsp.
• קנאָבל-1-2 קלאָוועס
• סוי סאָוס - 2 טבספּ. ל.
• פיש סאָוס - 1 טבספּ. ל.
• corn oil for frying
• black pepper, ground chili-to taste

First, we put the noodles to cook, then we throw it into a colander. At the same time, fry the crushed garlic and ginger in corn oil for a minute. Then pour out the diced onion and passeruem until transparent. Next, we send the mushrooms cut into plates and fry until all the liquid evaporates. Last of all, we lay the tofu in large cubes. Since soba is cooked quickly, it is better to prepare all the ingredients in advance.

We transfer the noodles to the pan, season with soy and fish sauce with spices, mix everything well. We cook the dish for a couple of minutes, cover it with a lid and let it brew a little more. Do not forget to decorate each serving with a fresh salad.

Sichuan lunch

In China, more precisely, the province of Sichuan, they prefer hot dishes. Such as mapo tofu, or tofu soup. As a rule, it is prepared from pork. You can take any other meat or do without it altogether. In this case, put more carrots, cabbage, celery and other vegetables. We suggest trying an adapted version.

ינגרעדיענץ:

• tofu — 400 g
• pork tenderloin-200 g
• קנאָבל - 2 קלאָוועס
• chili sauce — 2 tsp.
• סוי סאָוס - 1 טבספּ.
• הינדל יויך -250 מל
• sesame oil-0.5 tsp.
• צוקער - 1 צפּ.
• salt, black pepper, ground chili-to taste
• גרין אַניאַנז פֿאַר געדינט

In a small saucepan with a thick bottom, heat the sesame oil with a pinch of chili. We cut the pork into strips and fry it on all sides until ready. Next, pour in the sauces — chili and soy. Add sugar, ground chili and black pepper. Cut the tofu into cubes, pour it into a saucepan and, gently stirring with a spatula, fry for a couple of minutes. Now pour in the warm broth, gently bring to a boil, stand on low heat for another minute. Let the soup soak up the aromas for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle each portion of the soup with chopped green onions.

Instead of a sausage sandwich

If you are tired of the sandwiches on duty, do something unusual — colorful tortillas with vegetables and tofu. This healthy, satisfying and balanced snack can be taken with you to work, school or for a walk.

ינגרעדיענץ:

• tofu — 200 g
• yellow tomato — 2 pcs.
• bulgarian pepper-0.5 pcs.
• אַוואָקאַדאָ - 1 פּיסי.
• גרין פּיז - 50 ג
• קאַנד פּאַפּשוי - 50 ג
• lettuce leaves — 7-8 pcs.
• round tortilla cakes — 3 pcs.
• lemon juice for serving

Cut the tofu into wide plates, fry in a grill pan without oil on both sides until golden strips appear. Cut the avocado in half, remove the bone and cut into thin slices. Cut the tomatoes into small slices, and the sweet pepper into strips. We cover the tortillas with lettuce leaves, put toasted tofu with vegetables and avocado, sprinkle with corn kernels and green peas. We collect the rest of the sandwiches in the same way. Before serving them, sprinkle the filling with lemon juice.

Crispy tofu cubes

Here is one more option of an interesting snack-tofu in a spicy sweet and sour sauce. The main subtlety that is important to observe is not to overdo the cheese in the pan. Only then it will turn out crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside.

• tofu -150 g
• chili paste — 1 tsp.
• black chinese sauce — 1 tsp.
• סוי סאָוס - 1 צפּ.
• צוקער - 1 צפּ.
• גרינס ייל פֿאַר פריינג
• white sesame seeds for serving

In a dry frying pan, mix soy and Chinese sauce, chili paste and sugar. Preheat on low heat for about a minute. Then pour in the vegetable oil. Cut into cubes of tofu and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula. Cover the pan with a lid, remove from the heat and let it brew for some more time. Serve the tofu cubes hot, generously sprinkled with sweet and sour sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds.

Due to its neutral taste, tofu successfully harmonizes with any ingredients, whether it is meat, vegetables or fruits. This means that you can experiment with different combinations endlessly. For inspiration, take a look at the recipes section on the website ” Healthy Food Near Me — – there you will find a lot of suitable ideas. Do you like tofu yourself? In what form do you like it the most? Share your favorite dishes with his participation in the comments.