Douhua, also known as Doufuhua or soft tofu, is a traditional Chinese dessert that originated in the Han Dynasty in China and has become a very popular dish in other Asian countries. This silky smooth dessert is made from coagulated soy milk and served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings, depending on personal and regional preferences.
It can be enjoyed as a dessert or even as a light snack at any time of the day. It is very versatile and can be customized with a wide range of dressings and sauces to suit individual tastes.
In street markets and food stalls in Taiwan and China, Douhua is often served in individual bowls and sold as a takeaway dessert. In restaurants, it can be served in larger bowls for diners to share, along with a variety of toppings on the side so each person can customize their dish to their preferences. It is often served hot in winter and cold in summer, depending on seasonal and climatic preferences.
Douhua is appreciated for its soft and delicate texture, as well as its subtle and versatile flavor. It is a comforting delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries and remains a beloved part of Chinese and Taiwanese culinary culture.
How to prepare Douhua at home
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of soy milk (preferably unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons tofu coagulant (you can use nigari, calcium sulfate or lemon juice)
- Water (to dilute the coagulant if necessary)
- Sugar (optional)
- Ginger syrup (optional)
- Fresh fruits (optional)
- Preparation of the coagulant:
- If you are using nigari or calcium sulfate, dilute 2 tablespoons in about 1/2 cup of water. If you are using lemon juice, squeeze the juice from one lemon and set aside.
- Heat the soy milk:
- Pour the soy milk into a large pot and bring to medium-high heat. Heat it until it is just about to boil, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the coagulant:
- Once the soy milk is hot, slowly add the diluted coagulant while stirring gently. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to ensure the coagulant mixes well with the soy milk.
- Let it rest and coagulate:
- Remove the pot from the heat and cover with a lid. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to coagulate and form the Douhua.
- Serve:
- Once the Douhua is ready, you can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preferences. If you wish, you can sweeten it with a little sugar or ginger syrup and decorate it with fresh fruits before serving.
And that’s it! Now you can enjoy your homemade Douhua as a delicious dessert or snack. Enjoy it!
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