Buddhist Sour Soup

Recipe Ingredients

		Soup
3		Blocks tofu - (abt 1 lb)
1/4 cup	59ml	Tamarind pulp - dissolved in
1 cup	237ml	Hot water
1/2 lb	227g / 8oz	Okra - (abt 2 cups)
5 cups	1185ml	Water
3/4 cup	177ml	Fresh pineapple in 1/4" chunks
1		Bac ha (giant taro) - (optional),
		Cut 1 1/2" lengths,
3 tablespoons	45ml	Sugar
2 teaspoons	10ml	Salt
2 teaspoons	10ml	Tomatoes - cut into wedges (medium)
1 teaspoon	5ml	Soy sauce
		Garnish and Flavorings
1/4 cup	59ml	Peanut or vegetable oil
1/2 cup	73g / 2.6oz	Chopped shallots
2 cups	320g / 11oz	Bean sprouts - (to 3) - rinsed, drained
12		Asian basil leaves - coarsely torn
6 sections		Rice paddy herb (ngo om) - (optional)
2		Bird or serrano chiles - (to 4) - minced

Recipe Instructions

For the soup, place the tofu blocks on a plate, place another plate on top, and weight with a jar or 14 to 28-ounce can. Let stand for 30 minutes. Water will be pressed out of the tofu as it stands; drain it off every 15 minutes or so. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.

Use your fingers to squeeze and press the tamarind to dissolve it completely and to squeeze the last of the pulp off any seeds and pith. Place a sieve over a small bowl and pour the tamarind water through. Discard any solids and set the liquid aside.

If the okra is large, cut crosswise in half and cut off any tough tips, leaving the stems on.

For the garnish, heat the oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until well-browned, then remove from the heat and set aside.

To make the soup, place the tamarind liquid and the 5 cups water in a large nonreactive pot. Bring to a vigorous boil, then add the okra (if your okra is very fresh and tender, add it later, with the tomato wedges) and pineapple.

Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, then add the bac ha, if using, the sugar, salt, and tomato wedges. Bring back to a boil, then add the tofu cubes and soy sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the balance of seasonings if you wish.

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

Source:
COOKING LIVE with Sara Moulton - (Show # CL-9638) - from the TV FOOD - NETWORK

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