Recipe: Tofu With Fresh Tomato Sauce

Serves 4 as multi-dish meal.

Note: Tofu with fresh tomato sauce is common in homes and casual restaurants throughout Vietnam. Think of it as the country's spaghetti marinara. With tofu cubes that are crispy on the outside and meltingly tender within, paired with a deeply flavorful tomato sauce, this comfort food creates a simple yet satisfying meal, especially when plated alongside some vegetables. From "Vegetarian Viêt Nam," by Cameron Stauch.

• 1/2 oz. dried shiitake mushrooms

• 1 lb. firm tofu

• 1/4 c. to 1/2 c. cooking oil

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic

• 1 tbsp. soy sauce

• 1/2 tsp. sugar

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1⁄3 c. water or vegetable stock

• 1/4 c. thinly sliced green onions

• 1 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

To prepare the mushroom powder: Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a spice grinder and grind to a powder. Makes about 1/4 cup (you will only use 1/4 teaspoon).

To prepare the tofu: Drain off the liquid from the tofu package and cut the tofu into 1 1/2-inch cubes. When cutting tofu into cubes, try to keep it close together, in a rectangular shape, as it is easier to blot dry and press out the water that way.

Line a large plate with a double thickness of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Arrange the tofu cubes on top. Cover with a second folded, clean kitchen towel or a double layer of paper towels. Leave the tofu to drain for 10 minutes as you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

To prepare the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Toss in the tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, salt and mushroom powder.

Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato breaks down. Add 1/3 cup water or stock, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the tofu, green onions and black pepper and cook for another minute to coat the tofu lightly with the sauce. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the cilantro over the top.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories265

Fat22 g

Carbohydrates9 g

Saturated fat4 g

Total sugars3 g

Protein12 g

Cholesterol0 mg