Thần Thảo Tĩnh Già

Welcome to the culinary journey of creating Thần Thảo Tĩnh Già, a dish steeped in tradition and rich in flavor. This Vietnamese-inspired recipe brings together the essence of ancient herbs and modern-day cooking, offering a unique experience both in preparation and in taste. Legend has it that this dish was first crafted by herbalists in the lush highlands of Vietnam, who sought to embody tranquility and vitality in a single dish.

Ingredients

• Fresh Basil
• Lemongrass
• Lime Leaves
• Galangal
• Fish Sauce
• Chili Peppers
• Garlic
• Coconut Milk
• Tofu
• Jasmine Rice
• Scallions
• Ginger
• Soy Sauce
• White Mushrooms
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all of your ingredients. You will need fresh basil, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, chili peppers, and garlic. For the creamy element, procure some coconut milk.

Next, press and cube the tofu. Rinse and set your jasmine rice to soak briefly. Chop the scallions and ginger finely, and slice the mushrooms thinly.

Creating the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add in the chopped garlic and minced ginger.

Whisk them together thoroughly and immerse the tofu cubes in the marinade, refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Cooking

Cooking the Jasmine Rice

Start by boiling the jasmine rice. In a pot, combine equal parts water and rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Stir-Frying the Tofu

Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and when hot, introduce the marinated tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu turns golden on the surface. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Cooking the Aromatics

In the same wok, add a little more oil and lower the heat to medium. Introduce the lemongrass, lime leaves, and grated galangal. Stir constantly to release their aromatic oils. Add chopped chili peppers for some heat as desired.

Building the Broth

Pour the fragrant coconut milk into the wok. Let it bubble and then add a dash of fish sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.

Combining Everything

Return the tofu to the wok, along with the mushrooms. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated in the luscious coconut broth. Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top, imparting a fresh crunch to the dish.

Enjoying Thần Thảo Tĩnh Già

To serve, plate a generous portion of the fragrant jasmine rice and ladle the luscious Thần Thảo Tĩnh Già over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately, savoring each mouthful as the warmth and flavor converge to create an experience of pure culinary serenity. If desired, serve with a side of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the coconut-based broth.