Tofu really benefits from being combined with more intense flavours, such as herbs and spices. These savoury patties make a light meal served with the dip and a cucumber and onion salad, or, for something a little more substantial, serve with a soba noodle salad.
SERVES 4 PREPARATION 20 minutes, plus chilling COOKING 10–14 minutes
500g/1lb 2oz block firm tofu, drained
2 tbsp curry paste of your choice
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2.5cm/1in piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
4 tbsp chopped coriander/cilantro leaves
4 spring onions/scallions, finely chopped
3 tbsp plain/all-purpose wholemeal flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tbsp coconut or olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
125ml/4fl oz/½ cup natural low-fat bio yogurt
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped mint
1 Pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper, then coarsely grate into a bowl. Add the curry paste, garlic, ginger, chilli, coriander/cilantro and spring onions/scallions. Sift in the flour and a little salt and mix to make a coarse, sticky paste. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour for the flavours to infuse and to allow the mixture to firm up slightly.
2 Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by mixing together the yogurt, lemon juice and mint in a bowl, then season to taste.
3 Take large walnut-sized balls of the mixture and, using floured hands, flatten into rounds until you have 12 patties.
4 Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the tofu cakes in 2 batches for 4–6 minutes, turning once, until golden. Keep the first batch warm while you cook the second one. Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm with the dipping sauce.
Tofu is a curd made from fermented soya milk and is often referred to as a superfood because of its numerous health benefits. Rich in minerals, particularly iron and calcium, it is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. It has been found to help reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol and the risk of certain cancers.
Food Facts per Portion
Calories 213kcal • Total Carbs 12.5g • total sugar l.1g • added sugar 0g