tofu & eggplant salad

tofu and eggplant salad

This quick and easy salad is something I rustled up the other day for a vegetarian friend. Normally I would add a spoonful of pounded dried shrimps and season with fish sauce. Still the vegetarian version worked well. Perhaps a handful of chopped roasted peanuts or sesame seeds would add a nice addition for next time.

ingredients

1 eggplant
130g firm tofu, cut into cubes or sticks
1 small green chilli, diced
small handful of coriander, chopped
½ lemon, juiced
2 garlic cloves, sliced
peanut oil to fry garlic and tofu
salt for seasoning

For that intense smoky flavour, pierce the eggplant with a knife to stop it bursting unexpectedly during cooking, then using a tong place over a naked flame to char until the insides are soft and squishy. Alternatively place on an oven tray under a hot grill for 15-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Next heat enough oil to deep-fry the tofu. Fry them in batches until golden brown and drain on kitchen towel. In a separate saucepan, fry the garlic in some oil until golden and reserve oil for dressing.

When the eggplant is cooked, cut in half and roughly chop. I like to keep the skin on but you can peel it if you wish. Mix with lemon juice, fried tofu, coriander, crispy garlic and chilli. Toss with a tablespoon of garlic oil and season with salt.

Serves: 2-4
Cooking time: 15-25 mins

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6 Comments

  1. Yadana on September 24, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    Thanks Cho! Your are always helping the vegan like me.



  2. amanda on October 8, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    could u pls help me how to do tofu? it is much appreciated if u upload the video of how to do it? thanks very much in advance. I like all your recipes..! x



  3. Thin Thin on December 24, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    I am glad I came to your site. I have been looking for simple and unique vegetarian recipes for our house guests. I will definitely try to make it for them next week. Thank you.



  4. Thitar Aung on March 8, 2010 at 5:25 am

    Hi Cho,
    Excellent idea!



  5. Alisa on May 18, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    What a delicious recipe! I cant wait to try this! Thanks for sharing this recipe!



  6. Steven Wishaw on January 19, 2011 at 3:39 am

    Wow, that looks very tasty! I like the idea of mixing eggplant and tofu into the salad. And you can never get enough of garlic in food, I just would love to try this recipe really soon. Thanks for sharing this amazing food.