E3

By The Canadian Press

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Tofu, the Asian curd made from soybeans, is beneficial to any diet as it is low in calories and high in protein. This meatless entrée is from Vegetarian, (The Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library).

Stir-fried tofu and cashews

Ingredients

50 ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce

45 ml (3 tbsp) dry sherry

10 ml (2 tsp) cornstarch

1 440 g (14 oz) pkg firm tofu, well drained and cut into 1.25 cm (1/2-inch) dice

125 ml (1/2 cup) raw cashews

500 g (1 lb) green beans, trimmed and halved on the diagonal

45 ml (3 tbsp) vegetable oil

6 unpeeled fresh ginger slices (0.5 cm/ 1/4-inch) thick

2 red Spanish onions cut into 1.25 cm (1/2-inch) dice

250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock

2 ml (1/2 tsp) hot chili oil

Method

Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F). In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sherry and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add tofu and stir gently to coat. Set aside.

Spread cashews on a baking sheet and bake until golden 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Fill a large saucepan three-fourths full with water, salt it lightly, and bring to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until almost tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a wok or large deep frying pan over high heat, warm 30 ml (2 tbsp) of the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the ginger and, using a wok spatula or wooden spoon, stir and toss until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the ginger and discard.

Using the spatula or spoon, remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Add tofu to the pan. Stir and toss over high heat until the tofu is hot and golden on the outside, about 3 minutes. Transfer the tofu to a clean bowl and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil to the pan. Add the onions and stir and toss until almost wilted, 5 to 7 minutes. Raise the heat to high and return the tofu to the pan, along with green beans, reserved marinade, stock and hot chili oil. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil. Boil, stirring for about 30 seconds until mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in the cashews. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.