Fried Tofu Gumbo
What Started it all:
Fried Tofu gumbo
This Fried Tofu Gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of Louisiana cuisine to your table. Packed with spices, fresh vegetables, and crispy tofu, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- Fry the Tofu: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Gumbo: Reduce the heat to low and let the gumbo simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Okra and Tofu: Stir in the okra and fried tofu. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Serve the gumbo over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
This Fried Tofu Gumbo is a comforting and flavorful dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a plant-based meal without sacrificing taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share this delightful dish with family and friends!