Bitter Gourd Filled With Tofu

Vietnamese Street Food

Posted by Hardie Grant

About

Steaming rids the gourd of some of the bitterness. A tasty variation is to deep-fry the gourds after steaming, which adds another dimension of flavour and texture.

Serves 6

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You Will Need (8 things)

  • 6 dried Chinese Mushroom(s)
  • 3 dried wood ear Mushroom(s)
  • 2 bitter Gourds
  • Vegan dipping Sauce to serve
  • 180 g firm Tofu
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Sugar

Steps (4 steps, 40 minutes)

  1. 1

    Soak the mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. Remove the stems and cut the caps into thin strips.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, cut the gourds into 3 cm rounds. Using a teaspoon, hollow out the slices of gourd and discard the seeds.

  3. 3

    Put the mushrooms, tofu, salt, pepper and sugar in a bowl. Mix until the tofu is smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the gourd slices, then steam the filled slices of gourd for 15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a skewer.

  4. 4

    Serve the steamed gourd with the dipping sauce.