Yield: 4 servings
Measure | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 pounds | Firm tofu; well drained |
1 cup | Peanut oil for frying |
4 \N | Shallots; thinly sliced |
4 \N | Cloves garlic; thinly sliced |
1¼ pounds | Ripe tomatoes; seeded |
\N \N | And diced into 1/2-inch pieces |
\N \N | Vegetarian Nuoc Main; (recipe follows) |
1 tablespoon | Light brown sugar |
½ cup | Vegetable stock |
1 teaspoon | Rice wine vinegar |
2 \N | Green onions |
\N \N | White and green parts |
\N \N | Sliced diagonally for garnish |
2 tablespoons | Cilantro leaves for garnish |
2 \N | Minced garlic cloves |
1 \N | Minced and seeded serrano chilies; (1 to 2) |
2 tablespoons | Light brown sugar |
2 tablespoons | Fresh lime juice |
¼ cup | Rice wine vinegar |
¼ cup | Chinese mushroom-based soy sauce |
\N \N | (available in Chinese markets) or tamari. |
VEGETARIAN NUOC MAIN
4 SERVINGS VEGAN
In Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone (Broadway Books, 1997), author Deborah Madison suggests serving this over Asian noodles, pasta or rice. Her Vegetarian Nuoc Main is an easy-to make tasty substitute for the traditional Vietnamese fermented fish sauce (called Nam Pla in Thailand).
Cut tofu into ¼-inch cubes. In wok or large, deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. When hot enough to sizzle a drop of water, fry tofu in two batches until golden and firm, about 7 minutes. Remove tofu to paper towels. Carefully pour off oil. Return wok or skillet to heat and add 1 tablespoon peanut oil. When hot, add shallots and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add garlic and stir-fry 1 minute more. Add tomatoes, 2 tablespoons Vegetarian Nuoc Main and sugar. Stir-fry 1 minute, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Pour in stock, add tofu, and cook, uncovered and stirring frequently, until tofu is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Season to taste with rice wine vinegar and additional Nuoc Main Sauce.
Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with green onions and cilantro.
NOTE: To make Vegetarian Nuoc Main, mix 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 or 2 minced and seeded serrano chilies, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ cup rice wine vinegar, ¼ cup Chinese mushroom-based soy sauce (available in Chinese markets) or tamari.
PER SERVING:169 CAL.;9G PROT.;1G TOTAL FAT (1G SAT. FAT); 13G CARB.; 0 CHOL.; 56MG SOD.; 2G FIBER.
Recipe by: Vegetarian Times Magazine, April 1998, page Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.