Tofu, the king of the vegetarian diet, is known as the "cheese of the garden," and has captured the taste buds of countless diners with its delicate softness and freshness. But do you know how this vegetarian dish was born?
Accidental Encounter with Soymilk
Lore has it that the birth of tofu was purely a coincidence. In ancient times, there was a diligent cook who was preparing to cook soymilk for Liu Bang, the first Han emperor. After boiling the soymilk, she casually brought gypsum powder to dot the pulp, but forgot to stir. Shortly afterward, a white curd appeared in the pot, which was the prototype of tofu.
Advancement of the pointing technique
The birth of tofu was no accident, and behind it lay the wisdom of our ancestors. Chefs discovered that different types of batter affect the taste and texture of tofu. Tofu made with gypsum powder had a firmer texture, while tofu made with salt brine was more delicate and silky.
Over time, the art of battering continued to evolve. The chefs gradually mastered controlling the temperature, consistency of the paste, and the time of the paste, thus producing tofu with a variety of flavors and textures.
The mystery of soybeans
The flavor of tofu cannot be separated from the soybeans themselves. Soybeans from different origins have slightly different nutrients and flavors. Soybeans are rich in protein, isoflavones, lecithin, and many other beneficial ingredients that give tofu its special nutritional value.
The Varied Flavors of Tofu
From the rustic southern bean curd to the tender northern bean curd to the tender thousand-leaf bean curd, tofu has developed different flavors in different regions. Southern tofu is high in water and soft, making it ideal for light cooking. Northern tofu is firmer and more absorbent, making it suitable for deep-frying and stewing. Thin and melting in the mouth, thousand-leaf tofu is a regular favorite in fine cuisine.
The Food Culture of Tofu
Tofu is not only an ingredient, but also a food culture. In different cultures, tofu is prepared in different ways and has different meanings. In China, tofu is a symbol of good luck and is often used in New Year's Eve dinners and festive feasts. In Japan, tofu is the soul of the vegetarian diet and is widely used in Kaiseki and Seishin cuisine.
Health Value of Tofu
Tofu is a low-calorie, high-protein, healthy ingredient. It is rich in plant proteins, isoflavones, calcium, magnesium, and many other nutrients that have many health benefits. The isoflavones in tofu have antioxidant, anti-aging, and preventive effects against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Tips for selecting tofu
When selecting tofu, you need to pay attention to the following:
Look at the color: good tofu is uniform in color, creamy white or beige.
Touch the texture: fresh tofu has a fine texture and a smooth, elastic surface.
Smell: tofu should be odorless, if the odor indicates that it has been spoiled.
Test feel: light pressure on the tofu, good tofu will rebound, will not be deformed.
Tofu home practices
Tofu can be cooked in a variety of ways, either cold, or sautéed and fried. Here are some common ways to cook tofu:
Ma po tofu: cut the tofu into cubes, stir-fry with minced meat and sauce, and thicken the sauce at the end.
Tofu Xixi: Slice the tofu, coat it with cornstarch and deep-fry it until golden, then drizzle it with a special sauce.
Soybean Fish: Mash the tofu into puree, add seasoning and scallion, spread into fish shape and fry.
Slapped Cucumber Tofu: Shredded tofu, tossed with slapped cucumber and drizzled with sauce.
Tofu Brain: Boil soymilk and then dot the pulp, solidify and serve with soup.
Creative dishes with tofu
Besides home cooking, creative dishes can also inspire tofu's delicious potential:
Tofu cake: mix tofu and flour to make a cake embryo, and decorate it with fruits or cream.
Tofu pizza: Puree tofu and spread it on a crust, then add toppings such as vegetables and cheese.
Tofu Burger: Tofu is fried and served with bread, vegetables and sauce to make a burger.
Tofu Shake: Put tofu, fruit, and milk in a blender to make a shake.
Tofu Salad: dice tofu and combine with vegetables, nuts, and fruit to make a salad.
The birth of tofu is a history of coincidence and ingenuity. From a rustic ingredient to a tongue-tickling delicacy, tofu has interpreted a variety of flavors and a deep food culture. Whether it is home cooking or creative cuisine, tofu can satisfy the pursuit of different taste buds. Understanding the mystery of tofu will add infinite fun to our dietary life.