Hairy tofu is a kind of artificial fermentation method, which makes the surface of tofu grow slender plush hyphae (plant protein), which is the inspiration of Huizhou's humid climate. Because the vegetable protein in tofu is transformed into amino acids by fermentation, it tastes fresh after cooking. This rich flavor is called "the flavor of hometown" by Huizhou people.
The legend of hairy tofu. According to legend, after Zhu Yuanzhang captured the city, he sent troops north to station troops in Jixi. People in this area often use tofu to make soldiers work. Later, they were given too much tofu, so they couldn't eat it for a while. When it is hot, tofu will grow white and brown fluff. In order to prevent waste, Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the cook to fry first, and then stewed with a variety of seasonings, and a unique hairy tofu was produced. After Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne, he served this dish to Zhu Sheng, a Hui counselor in Shexian County, and this dish returned to Huizhou. After many workshops to improve the production process, today's characteristic Anhui cuisine has been formed.
Li Hongzhang hodgepodge
It is said that when Li Hongzhang visited the United States, he hosted a banquet in the embassy to entertain guests. Because the food was delicious, the guests didn't sit down after eating for hours. At this point, the main course has been used up, and the chef has to cook the leftovers together to make a dish. After the guests tasted it, they cheered again and again and asked about the name of the dish. Li Hongzhang replied: "Eat more delicious food!" Unexpectedly, the pronunciation of "delicious" is very similar to that of English "hodgepodge", and later this dish was named "Li Hongzhang hodgepodge".
Bagongshan tofu
It is said that tofu was invented by Liu An, the king of Huainan in the Western Han Dynasty. After Liu An acceded to the throne in Huainan, he liked to cultivate immortality and seek Tao. So thousands of magicians were gathered on the mountain to cultivate immortality and preach. This mountain is named after people, so it is also called "Bagong Mountain". Eight people are good at cultivating immortals and seeking Tao, and Liu An and others are refining elixirs in Bagong Mountain.
On one occasion, when Liu An was preparing Dan medicine, he accidentally dropped the gypsum used as Dan medicine into soybean milk. Miracle appeared, pure white soybean milk slowly condensed into flocculent, and finally became fresh and smooth tofu. Accidentally got delicious tofu, which is really: "intentional flowers can't bloom." Therefore, Bagong Mountain became the birthplace of tofu in China.