Buddhist Tamarind And Vegetable Soup Recipes

BUDDHIST TAMARIND AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Dissolve the tamarind in the water.
• Strain it through a fine sieve.
• Reserve the thick tamarind water.
• Discard the seeds and pulp.
• Boil the tamarind liquid with 5 cups of water in a large pot.
• Add okra, tomato wedges and pineapple.
• Boil vigorously for 3 minutes.
• Lower flame and add the leek, salt and sugar.
• Bring to a boil.
• Add the tofu cubes and soy sauce.
• Cook for 2 minutes.
• Check the seasoning.
• Serve in individual bowls garnished with drops of vegetable oil, shallots, bean sprouts, basil leaves, corriander and chillies.
• Enjoy!

BUDDHIST SOUR SOUP

Steps:

• 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 1/2 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.

BUDDHIST VEGETABLE NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a preheated wok and stir-fry onion until translucent. Toss in garlic, ginger, and mushrooms and stir-fry for another minute. Add oyster sauce and 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove wok contents to a bowl and set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in the hot wok and stir-fry cabbage, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and carrot for 3 minutes. Toss in bean sprouts, sugar, ¼ cup reserved mushroom water, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add onion and mushroom mixture, rice wine, and sesame oil and stir to combine well.
• Cook noodles in plenty of water at a rolling boil for about a minute. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold running water, and drain again. Toss noodles with remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and remaining 1 teaspoon peanut oil.
• To serve, place noodles on a large warmed serving platter, spoon vegetable mixture on top, and mix lightly. Garnish with green onions sprinkled over the top.

TAMARIND TOFU WITH VEGETABLES AND SOBA

Steps:

• Break open tamarind pods and scoop out flesh into a large bowl. Cover with hot water and let soften, about 1 hour. Push softened tamarind through a sieve with the back of a spoon to extract pulp, discarding seeds and tough fibers. Measure out a 1/2 cup of tamarind pulp; set aside.
• Slice tofu crosswise into 6 rectangles. Cut rectangles in half into 12 squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 24 triangles. Layer tofu on paper towels, pressing to extract excess liquid, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss tofu triangles with 2 tablespoons peanut oil; arrange on baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 45 to 60 minutes.
• Combine peanuts and sesame seeds in a large skillet or wok over medium heat; toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
• Heat 1 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add cucumber, carrots, green onions, and red bell pepper; saute just until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tamarind pulp, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until sauce is combined, about 3 minutes.
• Stir baked tofu triangles, peanuts, and sesame seeds into the sauce. Fold in cucumber mixture.
• Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add light and dark soba noodles; cook, stirring occasionally, under tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Top with tofu and cucumber mixture.