Buddhist Sour Soup
Keys: Soups Stews Vietnamese Vietnam Asian Oriental
Yield: 4
Ingredients:
----------------- SOUP ----------------
3 x blocks tofu - (abt 1 lb)
1/4 cup tamarind pulp dissolved in
1 cup hot water
1/2 lb okra - (abt 2 cups)
5 cup water
3/4 cup fresh pineapple in 1/4" chunks
1 stalk bac ha (giant taro) (optional),
cut 1 1/2" lengths,
3 tbl sugar
2 tsp salt
2 med tomatoes cut into wedges
1 tsp soy sauce
-------------- GARNISH AND FLAVORINGS --------------
1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 cup bean sprouts - (to 3) rinsed, drained
12 x Asian basil leaves coarsely torn
6 sprg rice paddy herb (ngo om) (optional)
2 x bird or serrano chiles - (to 4) minced
Method:
For the soup, place the tofu blocks on a plate, place another plate on
top, and weight with a jar or 14 to 28-ounce can. Let stand for 30
minutes. Water will be pressed out of the tofu as it stands; drain it
off every 15 minutes or so. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and set
aside.
Use your fingers to squeeze and press the tamarind to dissolve it
completely and to squeeze the last of the pulp off any seeds and pith.
Place a sieve over a small bowl and pour the tamarind water through.
Discard any solids and set the liquid aside.
If the okra is large, cut crosswise in half and cut off any tough tips,
leaving the stems on.
For the garnish, heat the oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high
heat. Add the shallots and cook until well-browned, then remove from the
heat and set aside.
To make the soup, place the tamarind liquid and the 5 cups water in a
large nonreactive pot. Bring to a vigorous boil, then add the okra (if
your okra is very fresh and tender, add it later, with the tomato
wedges) and pineapple.
Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, then add the bac ha, if using, the sugar,
salt, and tomato wedges. Bring back to a boil, then add the tofu cubes
and soy sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the balance of
seasonings if you wish.
This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.
I'm in my own little world, but thats ok everybody knows me here
Angelique
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
Access the Recipes And More list archives at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore%40googlegroups.com/
Visit the group home page at:
http://groups.google.com/group/RecipesAndMore
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
