Stuffed Tofu with Chilli Sauce Dippings

Tired of eating the same thing everyday? Why not try this easy to make tofu stuffed with vegetables that you can dip in a mild chilli sauce. Tofu is made of soya beans and very nutritious for our body. It is linked often with the brain, those who eat tofu regularly will have more thinking power than those who are not...Well, I am not sure if the claim has been proven or not, but Tofu is very popular among the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans, and is of Chinese origin. It is made from coagulating soy milk, which then pressed into squares.

There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed in some way. Tofu has very little flavor or smell, so it can be used either in savory or sweet dishes, and is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish.

The production of tofu from soy milk is similar to the production of cheesee from milk, although some tofu is made by processing non-soy products, such as almonds or black beans. The by product of the process is soy pulp (also called okara in Japanese).

Although tofu is said to be originated from ancient China, but less is known about the origins of tofu and its method of production. It is believed that tofu and its production technique were subsequently introduced into Korea, then Japan during the Nara period (late eighth century). It also spread into other parts of East Asia including Malaysia. This is much likely coincided with the spread of Buddhism and the immigration of the Chinese to this part of Asia. Since tofu is an important source of proteins in the religion's vegetarian diet, the food was introduced together with the emigration.

Tofu is low in caloriess, contains beneficial amounts of iron (especially important for women of child-bearing age) and has no saturated fat or cholesterol. Depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing, the tofu may also be high in calcium (important for bone development and maintenance), and magnesium (especially important for athletes). Tofu also contains soy isoflavones, which can mimic natural human estrogens and may have some beneficial effects when eaten in sufficient quantities. (source from wikipedia)

Tofu can be prepared in many ways. But today's recipe is made of square white tofu that is fried into hot oil before we stuff them. Enjoy!

Ingredients

4 square white tofu,cut into half

Stuffings
1 grated carrot
200 gm bean sprouts (taugeh),blanched into hot water
salt
pepper

Chilli Sauce
6 fresh red chillies
2 garlic
2tbsp sugar
1tsp salt
2 tbsp vinegar
*All ingredients to be blended finely

Methods
1. Fry the tofu until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
2. With a knife, make an insertion in the middle of the tofu for the stuffings.
3. Mix the carrot and bean sprouts with a pinch of salt and pepper for taste.
4. When ready, stuff the tofu with grated carrot and bean sprouts.
5. Serve the tofu with the chilli sauce dipping.

Suggestion: You can put the chilli sauce on top of the stuffings for more ommmph, or you can dip it into the sauce for milder taste. The choice is yours!

*Serve 2-4 people