Make Your Own Tofu

Tofu, also called bean curd, is a food that originated in China and involves  coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. Chinese legend ascribes its invention to Chinese prince Liu An (179–122 BC). Tofu and its production technique were introduced into Korea and then Japan during the Nara period; then to other parts of East Asia. This spread likely coincided with the spread of Buddhism because it is an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet of East Asian Buddhism.


Tofu has a low calorie count, relatively large amounts of protein, and little fat. It is high in iron and, depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing, may also be high in calcium and/or magnesium. There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed in some way. Tofu has a subtle flavor and can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish.

Here's how tofu is made in a factory:


And here's how you can make it yourself:

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups (1 lb or 450 grams) of dried soybeans, soaked 8-10 hours (or overnight)

1 1/4 gallons of water
3-4 tsp nigari or calcium sulfate

Equipment:
food processor
2 large stock pots
wooden spoon
sieve and cup or bowl OR sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth
tofu press
cheesecloth or muslin for the tofu press
ladle
1 extra bowl
thermometer

Instructions

Put half of the ground soy beans into each pot. Divide the gallon of water between the pots. Bring to a boil and lower to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Watch the pots carefully as it tends to boil over. There may be a lot of foam -- you can remove it or stir it in. When it has simmered for 15-20 minutes, turn off the heat and strain.

Ladle the liquid into the strainer with the cup or bowl under it. The ground soy beans, or okara, will collect in the strainer. Remove this to a colander lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze all of the soy milk out of the okara. Wash one of the pots, pour all of the soy milk into it and take it back to the stove top.

Using your thermometer, warm the soy milk to 180 degrees. Dissolve the nigari in 1 cup of hot water. When the soy milk reaches 180 degrees, turn off the heat. Gently add the nigari mixture and stir. Turn the heat back on and gently stir until the soy milk separates -- like curds and whey. If it doesn't separate, make a small batch of nigari (1 1/2 tsp to 1/2 cup of hot water) and add it in. Stir gently. The water will turn clear and the curds will clump.

Ladle the curds and whey into the muslin- or cheesecloth-lined tofu press. Cover the tofu with the cloth and drop in the lid. Put a 3-5 pound weight on the top (large jars of tomatoes, pitcher of water, etc.) and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. The longer its pressed, the firmer the tofu.

Remove the cloth and place the tofu into a container. Cover with water and put on a tight fitting lid. It will keep for a week; change the water every day or so that it stays fresh.

Rinse and pick through the dried soybeans. Soak in plenty of water overnight or for 8-10 hours. When they are re hydrated, rinse them once more. Grind the soy beans in the food processor in 2 cup batches. Cover the beans with a little water and grind for 4-5 minutes until they are pureed and have turned white. They will have the consistency of cream of wheat.

Additional Tip: Use the okara in burgers, breads, or muffins.

Recipe from Delectable Planet