Thai Tofu Stew

Thai Tofu Stew Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Thai Tofu Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of creamy coconut milk, flavorful spices, and hearty vegetables makes this stew a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Thai Tofu Stew is a traditional Thai dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular comfort food in Thailand, especially during the cooler months when a warm and hearty stew is just what you need to warm you up.

Ingredients

1 x 14 oz (397 g) can of lite coconut milk
1 cup of water or vegetable broth
1 lb (454 g) of extra-firm tofu, drained and diced
2 tbsp of fresh ginger, minced
6 cloves of garlic, minced
6 scallions (white and light green parts), chopped
0.25 tsp of red pepper flakes
5 oz (142 g) of shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and diced (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 cup of peeled and diced butternut squash
4 cups of slivered bok choy
0.5 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine coconut milk, water or broth, tofu, half of the ginger, half of the garlic, half of the scallions, and salt and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Transfer 1.5 cups of the coconut milk mixture to a large pot. Add mushrooms, carrots, squash, remaining ginger, garlic, and scallions. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes.
Add bok choy to the pot and stir just until it begins to wilt, about 45 to 50 seconds. Add cilantro.
Pour the remaining coconut mixture over the cooked vegetables and stir gently to combine and distribute tofu evenly. Serve hot.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas. You can also adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less red pepper flakes for a spicier or milder stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use extra-firm tofu for this recipe to ensure that it holds its shape and doesn't fall apart during cooking.

- Be sure to simmer the stew over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Tofu Stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this Thai Tofu Stew is to simmer it over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste. Be sure to stir gently to distribute the tofu evenly and prevent it from falling apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bok choy, you can substitute with spinach or kale. You can also use regular button mushrooms instead of shiitake mushrooms, and sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Thai Tofu Stew in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime. You can also serve it with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of jasmine rice. You can also serve it with a side of garlic naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Thai Tofu Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Thai Tofu Stew contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Carbohydrates

This Thai Tofu Stew is a great source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

This stew is rich in healthy fats from the coconut milk and tofu, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of fat. These fats are essential for maintaining healthy cell function and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving of this stew containing approximately 20 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This Thai Tofu Stew is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tofu. It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium, which are all essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy body.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy from the tofu, and may also contain gluten if the vegetable broth used contains gluten. Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Thai Tofu Stew is a nutritious and delicious meal that is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a satisfying and comforting dinner.

Summary

This Thai Tofu Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this stew is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Thai Tofu Stew. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Thailand. I had always been curious about Thai cuisine and the vibrant flavors that it offered. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe in a small local market in Bangkok, I knew I had to try it.

The recipe was handwritten on a piece of yellowed paper, with faded ink that hinted at its age. The ingredients were simple yet exotic – lemongrass, ginger, coconut milk, and of course, tofu. As I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the fragrant and spicy stew that would result from combining these ingredients.

I immediately bought all the necessary ingredients and rushed back to my little rented apartment to begin cooking. As I chopped the lemongrass and ginger, the aroma filled the kitchen, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Bangkok. I could hear the sounds of street vendors calling out to passersby, the smell of spices lingering in the air.

As I simmered the stew on the stove, the flavors melded together, creating a rich and savory broth that promised to warm both body and soul. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled a generous portion into a bowl and took my first spoonful. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the tangy lemongrass, the spicy ginger, the creamy coconut milk. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that left me craving more.

From that moment on, Thai Tofu Stew became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I cooked it for friends and family, sharing the story of how I discovered the recipe in a faraway land. Each time I made it, I was transported back to that tiny kitchen in Bangkok, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bustling city.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a comforting and delicious stew that never fails to delight.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of cooking, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for that chance encounter in Bangkok all those years ago. It was the beginning of a culinary journey that has brought me so much joy and satisfaction.

And as I take another bite of my Thai Tofu Stew, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us to faraway places and cherished memories. It is a gift that I will always treasure, and one that I am eager to pass on to future generations.