Zhonghe Tofu Pudding

Zhonghe Tofu Pudding

　　Originally, the technique of making tofu pudding was brought to Zhonghe from Beibei and Sanhuiba in Hechuan. The tofu pudding shops in Zhonghe Town are renowned both within and outside the county. Soybeans are ground with a stone mill into soy milk, which is then filtered through cheesecloth. The soy milk is poured into a large pot and boiled, with foam being removed. Gypsum is ground into water and dripped evenly into the soy milk pot using a rice scoop. The fire is kept low, and this results in a pot of tofu pudding. The pudding is scooped into bowls, and a separate porcelain dish is used to serve condiments: red chili oil, sesame sesame oil, green pepper with broad bean paste, mashed ginger and garlic, salt, mustard, chopped scallions, and roasted sesame seeds. In rural households, tofu pudding is often served with rice wine to entertain guests and as a side dish.