Vegetarian Recipes - Tofu with Lemon Grass and Basil Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 lemon grass stalks, finely chopped

• 45ml/3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 fresh red Serrano chilies, seeded and finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 5ml/1 tsp ground turmeric

• 10ml/2 tsp sugar                   

• 300g/11oz tofu, rinsed, drained, patted dry and cut into bite size cubes

• 30ml/2 tbsp groundnut (peanut) oil

• 45ml/3 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped

• 1 bunch fresh basil, stalks removed

• salt

Serves 3-4

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Method:

1. In a bowl, mix together the lemon grass, soy sauce, chilies, garlic, turmeric and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Add a little salt to taste and add the tofu. making sure it is well coated. Leave to marinate for 1 hour.

3. Heat a wok or heavy pan. Pour in the oil, add the marinated tofu, and cook, stirring frequently, until it is golden brown on all sides.

4. Add the peanuts and most of the basil leaves and stir-fry quickly so that the basil becomes aromatic without wilting.

5. Divide the tofu among individual serving dishes, sprinkle the remaining basil leaves over the top and serve hot or at room temperature.

Note: In parts of Asia, aromatic pepper leaves are used as the herb element in this dish but, because these can be difficult to track down, you can use basil leaves instead. For the best results, leave the tofu to marinate for the full hour. This very tasty dish is a wonderful way to cook tofu.

Variation: Lime, coriander (cilantro) or curry leaves would work well in this simple stir-try.