Somali-style Spiced Tofu with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In this Somali adaptation of the Vietnamese dish, the traditional Vietnamese flavors are replaced with Somali spices and ingredients. The original dish typically features a soy-based sauce with Vietnamese seasonings, while the Somali version incorporates a tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic Somali spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. This adaptation adds a distinct Somali twist to the dish, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Đậu hũ sốt cà, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) firm tofu, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. 5.
   Add the spice mixture to the pan and stir well to coat the tomatoes evenly.
6. 6.
   Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan and carefully stir to coat them with the tomato sauce.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the tofu simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before cutting it into cubes to remove excess moisture and enhance its texture. This can be done by placing the tofu between two plates with a weight on top and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Somali-style Spiced Tofu with Tomato Sauce over a bed of fragrant Somali rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato mixture before adding the tofu.

Serving advice

Serve the Somali-style Spiced Tofu with Tomato Sauce as a main dish accompanied by Somali rice or flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tofu cubes in the center of the plate and pour the tomato sauce over them. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an appealing pop of color. Serve with a side of Somali rice and garnish with additional cilantro leaves for an elegant presentation.