What ?! Spray that lemongrass "repellent" on tofu/beancurd for Weekend Herb Blogging?

Why not? You could...in Kalyn's Kitchen, and when you do have a lemongrass spray repellent. Lemongrass is also known as citronella grass or fever grass. The oil of citronella is commonly used as mosquite repellent. This oil is surely more natural than DEET as an insect repellent, but effectiveness, I'm not sure. For me, it's just using lemongrass (not the spray or repellent, of course...I was kidding) to whip up a few good dishes.



The stalk of lemongrass itself is too hard to be eaten, except for the soft inner part. To use in stir-fry, peel off the hard outer part of the lemongrass and finely slice the soft inner part.


To use in soup recipes, bruise them with a few hard "knocks" on the stalk(usually bottom white part) using back of knife/chopper; then add it whole, in soups as this releases the aromatic oils from the juice sacs in the stalk and imparts a citrous flavor to your dish.

"Bruised" and whole, do add a stalk in your glass of iced tea, too! Trust me, this will be THE drink, a refreshing one, after an especially spicy meal. Some Thai restaurants (eg. Lemongrass Restaurant in Singapore) serve this drink. I would always order it!

The way I've sliced the lemongrass (from picture above), it's easy to guess I'm using it for a stir-fry with beancurd/tofu.

Thai Style Hot and Spicy Fried Tofu/Bean Curd (serves 2)

Ingredients:
-1 block firm beancurd/tofu, cut into bite sized cubes
-oil for deep frying
-100g ground pork
-1stalk lemon grass chopped finely
-1tsp chopped chilli padi or dashes of red chilli pepper flakes

Seasoning:
-2tbsp lime juice
-1tbsp sugar
-200mlwater/broth

Method:
1. Heat up oil for deep-frying, deep fry bean curd till golden brown. Dish and drain, set aside
2.Heat up oil and saute all ingredients till fragrant
3. Add in ground pork, stir well, add in seasoning and bring to boil. Add in fried bean curd, mix well and serve immediately


Tag: tofu, beancurd, lemongrass, thai style beancurd,weekend herb blogging