Vegetable Tofu

Vegetable Tofu

　　Also known as vegetable tofu porridge, it has a long history of preparation. It is a famous snack in Hanzhong. Originally, it was a delicacy served to guests in Hanzhong, but now it has become an everyday food. Its main ingredient is soybeans, which are soaked, ground into a slurry, then filtered through a fine sieve or cloth to remove the bean dregs. The mixture is boiled, and then a sour soup made from pickled greens is added to coagulate it. When the tofu begins to form, it is filtered out and pressed into blocks. This tofu has a delicate texture and a clean white color like jade. It is rich in protein and can be served either sweet or sour. The leftover sour slurry is mixed with rice and cooked. Just before the rice is fully done, the prepared tofu is added. Once cooked, the porridge has a tangy and fragrant taste. Especially when eaten with the sour-flavored tofu, served with side dishes made from stir-fried chili, mashed garlic, and other seasonings, it leaves a refreshing aftertaste that lingers. Vegetable tofu is highly nutritious, economical, and affordable. Truly — no matter how luxurious or greasy the seafood or delicacies may be, nothing beats Hanzhong’s vegetable tofu. (Hanzhong)