Meera Sodha's clementine and sesame seed silken tofu offers a delightful twist on a classic dish, blending vibrant citrus notes with nutty crunch for a satisfying vegan meal. Originally inspired by a beloved recipe from her cookbook East, this variation builds on years of culinary experimentation to deliver a fast, delicious, and filling option ideal for busy evenings.
A Flavourful Evolution
In her cookbook East, Meera Sodha crafted a recipe for silken tofu topped with pine nuts, pickled chillies, soy sauce, and herbs, closely modelled after a dish from My Neighbours the Dumplings in east London. This creation became a staple in her diet, enjoyed repeatedly with rice for its speed and taste. Now, seven years later, she introduces a new version that maintains the essence of the original while adding fresh elements.
Ingredients and Preparation
The recipe calls for 300g of silken tofu, 2 carrots julienned, 20g of mint leaves, and a sauce made from toasted sesame oil, light soy sauce, fresh clementine juice, grated ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, and chipotle flakes. Preparation takes just 10 minutes, with cooking requiring another 10 minutes, serving two people.
To begin, carefully drain the tofu and place it on a lipped plate. Combine the carrots and mint in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, warm the sesame oil, soy sauce, clementine juice, ginger, vinegar, sesame seeds, and chipotle flakes over low to medium heat for a few minutes, avoiding a boil. Pour this sauce over the carrots and mint, tossing to coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Using clean hands, lift the carrot salad and place it atop the tofu, then pour the remaining dressing over everything. Serve with sushi or jasmine rice to complete the meal. As this dish is on the lighter side, Sodha recommends pairing it with fried green beans or sprouting broccoli dressed in a quick gomae-style sauce made from tahini, agave, soy, and toasted sesame oil.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe excels with its spunk from citrus and ginger, crunch from carrot and sesame seeds, and overall balance, making it a worthy consideration for midweek meals. It embodies Sodha's commitment to vegan cuisine that is both accessible and bursting with flavour, perfect for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent option.
