| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 255 | 15g | 2g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 12g | 0.8g |
There are few dishes that I hold as close to my heart as my homemade Chrysanthemum Tofu Stir Fry. Inspired by my Californian upbringing and my Gujarati roots, this is a creation that blends flavors of the east and the west in a harmonious medley.
The Power of Fusion Cuisine
Creating a dish like the Chrysanthemum Tofu Stir Fry, which resonates with both my cultures, is always a satisfying experience. Borrowing a variety of distinct elements from both Indian and American cuisine, this dish is a testament to the beauty of fusion cooking. I believe that food should not just be a culinary delight but should also be a vehicle for sharing and merging our cultures and flavors.
Fueling Up on Fresh Produce
Just like me, this recipe also calls the Golden State home, thanks to its cornucopia of fresh vegetables. Incredibly nutrient-dense and high in vitamins, the ingredients not only impart this dish with vibrant colors but also various health benefits. From hearty tofu filled with protein to the antioxidant-rich onions and bell peppers, to the potassium-rich pineapple, this stir-fry is essentially a well-balanced, bursting-with-flavors health-bowl in disguise.
In particular, I’m thrilled to introduce chrysanthemum leaves into my recipe. These leaves have a subtle flavor and a host of health benefits including aiding in digestion, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting the immune system. Check out more on this here.
Perfect Pairing and Variations
While this Chrysanthemum Tofu Stir Fry stands splendidly on its own, I’ve found it pairs gorgeously with Jasmine rice or whole grain rice, bringing an additional layer of depth and texture to the overall meal.
For those who have a proclivity for some heat, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes to the stir-fry. You can also try swapping the pineapple for mango for a tropical twist or substitute the chrysanthemum leaves with spinach, kale, or bok choy based on availability or preference.
In essence, the versatility of this dish is its strength, allowing you to customize it to your liking and, in the process, making it a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has become in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of tofu, cubed
- 1 cup of chopped chrysanthemum leaves
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup of sliced red onions
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnishing (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by draining and cutting the tofu into cubes. Set it aside for later.
Step Two
Prepare your vegetables. Chop your chrysanthemum leaves, slice your bell peppers and red onions, mince your garlic, and grate your ginger. Also, chop your green onions and set aside for garnish.
Step Three
Take a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable broth. Stir well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Heat up a large pan or a wok over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil.
Step Five
Once the oil is hot, add in the tofu cubes. Cook tofu carefully until all sides are browned. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Then remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
Step Six
In the same pan, add your garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
Step Seven
Then, add in your sliced bell peppers, sliced red onions and pineapple chunks. Cook until they start to soften.
Step Eight
Add the chopped chrysanthemum leaves to the pan and sauté until they have wilted.
Step Nine
Once your vegetables are cooked, add the tofu back into the pan. Stir in the sauce and let it simmer until it starts to thicken.
Step Ten
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Step Eleven
Remove from heat. Garnish with the chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your Chrysanthemum Tofu Stir Fry!
