Welcome to a delightful fusion of textures and flavors! This Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Buckwheat recipe is a modern, healthy take on comforting Eastern European flavors. At its heart is grechka (roasted buckwheat groats), a beloved and incredibly nutritious staple. We pair its earthy taste with crispy, golden-fried tofu and a medley of tender vegetables, all brought together in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it's a wholesome, satisfying experience that's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.
Fried tofu with vegetables and buckwheat.
Ingredients for Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Buckwheat
- 180 g grechka (roasted buckwheat groats)
- 200 g tofu
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 clove of garlic
- 3 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1/2 teaspoon adjika (a spicy pepper paste) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- vegetable oil for frying
- flour, salt, black and red pepper
How to Make Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Buckwheat
Adding chopped onion and garlic to the hot oil.
Adding thinly sliced carrots to the sautéed onions.
Dredging the tofu cubes in flour on all sides.
Pour 2 tablespoons of refined vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it up. Dice one large onion. Mince a clove of garlic. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the heated oil and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add thinly julienned carrots to the sautéed onions. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, until the carrots are soft. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables cook evenly and don’t burn.
Cut the tofu (plain, with a neutral taste) into cubes of about 1.5-2 centimeters (about 0.6-0.8 inches). Place 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in a bowl and add the chopped tofu. Coat the tofu pieces in flour on all sides.
Placing the tofu in the pan and frying over high heat until golden.
In a wide, thick-bottomed frying pan, pour in some odorless vegetable oil and heat it until very hot. Add the tofu and fry on high heat until golden brown. This will take just about 2 minutes.
Flipping the tofu pieces to fry the other side.
Adding tomato puree or tomato sauce.
Adding the buckwheat groats.
Flip the tofu pieces and fry the other side. Place the cooked tofu on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Pour a little vegetable oil into a deep, thick-bottomed sauté pan. Add tomato puree or tomato sauce and heat it up. If you like your food spicy, you can add some adjika (a spicy paste, typically made with red peppers, garlic, herbs, and spices).
Add the grechka (roasted buckwheat groats) and stir.
Next, add the sautéed vegetables to the pan.
Next, add the sautéed vegetables – the carrots with onion and garlic – to the sauté pan.
Adding the seasonings.
Pouring in 1 cup of boiling water.
Cooking on low heat for 25 minutes.
Add the seasonings: soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper.
Pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Salt to taste and stir. Add the fried tofu to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to the minimum. Cover the sauté pan with a lid. Cook on low heat for 25 minutes. Try not to lift the lid and release the steam, unless the water has completely evaporated. In that case, add a little more boiling water.
After about half an hour, turn off the heat and wrap the pan in a terry cloth towel.
After about half an hour, turn off the heat, wrap the sauté pan in a thick towel, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the buckwheat to steam and become fluffy. Then, give it a good stir.
Plating the fried tofu with vegetables and buckwheat in a mound.
Serve the fried tofu with vegetables and buckwheat by piling it onto a plate. Serve immediately. It’s delicious!
And there you have it—a wonderfully satisfying and flavorful dish that proves a meat-free meal can be incredibly hearty. The combination of crispy tofu, tender vegetables, and perfectly fluffy buckwheat creates a truly comforting experience. For an extra touch of flavor, try serving it with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something special. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Buckwheat. Happy cooking!
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