Fried Tofu Gumbo
What Started it all:
Fried Tofu gumbo
This hearty and flavorful fried tofu gumbo is a delightful twist on the classic Creole dish. Packed with vegetables and seasoned to perfection, it's a perfect meal for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Let's dive into this delicious recipe that serves four!
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Dredge the tofu cubes in flour until evenly coated.
- Fry the Tofu: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and okra. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Gumbo: Reduce the heat to low and let the gumbo simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Tofu: Gently stir the fried tofu into the gumbo and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the gumbo over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions.
This Fried Tofu Gumbo is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen. Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends, and feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or spices to make it your own! Happy cooking!