Straw Mushrooms Braised with Tofu

Why people make this dish

Straw mushrooms are one of Nourilo’s everyday favorites — vegetarian or with meat, in soup or stir-fried, they’re traditionally seen as good for the spleen and for building strength. Modern study notes they’re rich in amino acids, vitamin C and protein, and eating them regularly is associated with stronger everyday resistance. A block of fragrant organic tofu paired with good-quality straw mushrooms makes a plain but delicious plate.

Method

1. Trim the stem ends off the straw mushrooms, wash, and halve them. (Organic ones don’t need blanching.) Slice the tofu.
2. Heat oil, fry the minced ginger until fragrant, then pan-fry the tofu until golden and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the straw mushrooms until fragrant, return the tofu to the wok, add seasoning and a little water, simmer briefly, and plate up.

Nourilo’s Tips

This homely dish is traditionally thought to benefit people who are run-down, catch colds easily, or are recovering from injury, hepatitis or high blood pressure.