Bai ethnic group’s loach drilling into tofu

Bai ethnic group’s loach drilling into tofu

　　Loach drilling into tofu is a signature dish of the Bai ethnic group in Dali.

　　The preparation method is as follows: Fill a basin with clean water, add an appropriate amount of flour, and a few drops of sesame oil. Place live loaches in the basin to allow them to expel impurities from their bodies, then transfer them to clean water and set aside.

　　Wash tomatoes, green chili peppers, papaya, potatoes, cabbage hearts, and onions. Pour in the filtered clarified butter, add mashed garlic and stir-fry briefly. Then add zucchini, potatoes, Yunnan ham, tomatoes, green chili peppers, cabbage hearts, onions, ginger, and bok choy, and stir-fry for a few minutes. Next, mix all-purpose flour, soaked vermicelli, salt, pepper, and prickly ash leaves evenly, and pour them into a clay pot. Depending on the size of the pot, add an appropriate amount of water and milk. Then place the live loaches and large pieces of tofu into the pot, cover with the lid, and simmer over medium heat.

　　As the soup gradually heats up, the loaches will wriggle and burrow through the liquid, eventually making their way into the tofu. Once fully cooked, the dish is ready to be served.