After Fiona moved to our town, we decided to have dinner together once or twice a week, with Fiona wanting to cook. My daughter is a pescatarian, which means no meat! Fish is ok, but my son doesn't like fish! And as a grandma, Fiona didn't want to make a meal that her grandson wouldn't eat. So ... Well, the alternative was TOFU!
Everyone loves Tofu right?
Tofu is made with soy beans, and in Japan, it's called the meat of the field. It's rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and fiber.
For a long time we, Japanese didn't eat any animal products, not until 150 years ago when the country opened up after a 200 year long policy of isolation.
The main reason was purity and beliefs, influenced by Buddhism. Since the imperial court was devoted to Buddhism there was a ban on eating meat, and meat was seen as detestable for about 1200 years.
As it was hard for Japanese to get protein, soy products were created and they have become a big part of our lifestyle. And now they are seen as a super food!
Ingredients
Oil for sauté
1/2 pack, 8 oz hard tofu, diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 teaspoons ginger, grated or chopped
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 pack, 5oz baby spinach
Toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, add tofu, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2 minutes per side.
Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add spinach and cook until it wilts. Drizzle on soy sauce and sesame oil.
Add more soy sauce as desired.
Sprinkle sesame seeds, and serve.
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