Tofu, the king of vegetarianism, is known as "pastoral cheese". Its delicacy, softness, fragrance and delicacy have captured the taste buds of countless diners. But do you know how this vegetarian dish was born?
Unexpected encounter of soybean milk
According to legend, the birth of tofu is purely coincidental. In ancient times, there was an industrious chef who was preparing to cook soybean milk for Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang. After the soybean milk was boiled, she brought gypsum powder to order some pulp, but forgot to stir it. After a while, white condensate appeared in the pot, which is the embryonic form of tofu.
Improvement of sizing technology
The birth of tofu is not accidental, but the wisdom of our ancestors is hidden behind it. Chefs found that different kinds of sauce fixing agents can affect the taste and texture of tofu. Tofu made of gypsum powder has a hard texture, while tofu made of bittern is more delicate and tender.
With the passage of time, the skill of ordering slurry has been improved continuously. Chefs gradually mastered the factors such as controlling temperature, slurry concentration and ordering time, so as to make tofu with different tastes and tastes.
The mystery of soybean
The delicacy of tofu is inseparable from soybean itself. The nutritional components and flavor of soybeans from different producing areas are slightly different. Soybean is rich in protein, isoflavones, lecithin and other beneficial ingredients, which endows tofu with special nutritional value.
The ever-changing custom of tofu
From simple South Tofu to tender North Tofu to tender Chiba Tofu, tofu breeds different customs in different regions. South tofu has high water content and soft texture, which is suitable for making light dishes. Beidoufu has a hard texture and strong water absorption, which is suitable for frying and stewing. Chiba tofu is as thin as a cicada's wing and melts in the mouth. Is a frequent visitor to fine food.
Dietary culture of tofu
Tofu is not only a kind of food, but also a kind of food culture. In different cultures, the cooking methods and meanings of tofu are different. In China, tofu is a symbol of good luck, and it is often used to make dishes for New Year's Eve and wedding banquets. In Japan, tofu is the soul of vegetarianism, and it is widely used to make Shi Huai cuisine and essence cuisine.
Health care value of tofu
Tofu is a healthy food with low calorie and high protein. It is rich in plant protein, isoflavones, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients, and has many benefits to health. Isoflavones in tofu have the functions of antioxidation, anti-aging, preventing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Tips for choosing tofu
When choosing tofu, you need to pay attention to the following points:
Look at the color: good tofu is even in color, milky white or beige.
Touch: fresh tofu is delicate in texture and smooth and elastic in surface.
Smell: Tofu should have no odor. If it has odor, it means it has gone bad.
Try to feel it: gently press the tofu, and the good tofu will rebound without deformation.
Tofu de home-cooked dish
Tofu can be cooked in many ways, either cold or fried. The following are some common tofu home cooking methods:
Mapo Tofu: Cut the tofu into pieces, stir-fry with minced meat and sauce, and thicken at last.
Tofu beauty: slice tofu, coat it with starch, fry it until golden brown, and then pour it with special sauce.
Tofu pudding fish: Muddle tofu, add seasoning and chopped green onion, spread it out like a fish and fry it.
Pat cucumber tofu: shred tofu, mix it with cucumber, and then pour in sauce.
Tofu brain: Boil soybean milk, paste it, and add soup to eat after solidification.
Tofu's creative cuisine
In addition to home cooking, creative cooking can also stimulate the delicious potential of tofu:
Tofu cake: mix tofu and flour to make a cake embryo and decorate it with fruit or cream.
Tofu pizza: grind tofu into mud, spread it at the bottom of the cake, and add vegetables, cheese and other ingredients.
Tofu burger: fry tofu and mix it with bread, vegetables and sauce to make a hamburger.
Tofu milkshake: Put tofu, fruit and milk into a blender to make a milkshake.
Tofu salad: Dice tofu and mix it with vegetables, nuts and fruits to make a salad.
The birth of tofu is a history of coincidence and wisdom. From simple ingredients to delicious food on the tip of the tongue, tofu is an interpretation of ever-changing customs and profound food culture. Whether it is home cooking or creative cooking, tofu can satisfy the pursuit of different taste buds. Understanding the mystery of tofu will add infinite fun to our diet life.