TOFU

Block of extra firm tofu

Tofu is sold in blocks from soft, firm, to silken.  Use the organic extra firm for sandwiches, stir-fry, salads, or anything needing a chewy texture.  The larger firm blocks are usually found in the diary section.  Use the silken for dips, mousse, cheesecakes and anything needing a creamy texture.  The smaller silken tofu is found in aseptic boxes usually in the Asian section.  Now, you can find tofu in health food stores and chain grocery stores. 

Tofu does not have any flavor.  The good thing about not having flavor is that it will take on any flavor you give it from sweet chocolate to salty savory.

This is the easiest way to handle tofu.  Press it to remove extra liquid and than flavor it.

Pressing tofu

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

1 block of extra firm tofu

1-teaspoon olive oil

1-teaspoon soy sauce

3-teaspoons of water

Place the block of tofu between two plates.  Put a 14-ounce can on top.  Remove the liquid as it is pressed out.  Put a 28-ounce can on top and remove the liquid until all the excess liquid is removed.  

Slice the block into quarters. 

Heat an iron skillet and add the olive oil.  When the oil is heated, add the tofu, and fry for 5 minutes.  Turn and fry for 3 minutes.

Mix the soy sauce with the water. 

Place all four fried slices in the pan, turn off the heat, and add the soy sauce water mixture.  Turn the slices until they are evenly coated and the liquid is absorbed. 

Fried and flavored tofu

Use the slices in stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads.