Chickpea Mapo Tofu

Chickpea Mapo Tofu is a delightful vegan twist on the traditional Chinese dish, combining the creaminess of tofu with protein-packed chickpeas and a spicy, savory sauce. This dish is not only satisfying but also bursting with rich flavors that will entice your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Canned chickpeas - 1 cup (240 grams), drained and rinsed
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon, crushed
• Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 1 cup
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Green onions - 2 stalks, chopped
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Red chili flakes - 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust for spice level)
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish

Steps

1. Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the crushed Sichuan peppercorns and doubanjiang to the pan, stirring well for another minute to release their flavors.
4. Carefully add the tofu cubes to the pan, gently stirring to coat them with the spice mixture. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes until slightly golden.
5. Stir in the chickpeas, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add it to the pan while stirring to thicken the sauce.
7. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
8. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Add red chili flakes if desired for extra heat.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Calories: 352
• Protein: 19 g
• Carbs: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber from chickpeas and tofu, promoting satiety and muscle health.
• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds due to ginger and garlic.

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