Oh, yes, it's finally here!

When I was living in the UK, if my friends and I were to order Chinese takeaway, Sweet and Sour <insert choice of protein here> was always on the list. (I know, we weren't very imaginative.) This was back to when I was didn't know any better, and was mad convinced that animal meat was the only source of protein for my body. It wasn't until I became vegan that I realised I could make my own Sweet and Sour that is vegan that is just as flavourful- if not more. You can substitute tofu with anything you'd like, but it would be best for the protein in question to be deep fried or has a crunchy texture because that would enhance the dish as a whole.

Ingredients:

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into squares
1/2 red bell pepper, also cut into squares
1/2 fresh/ canned pineapple
(or about 8 chunky pieces)
1 onion, cut the same manner as the peppers
1/2 tablespoon of toasted white sesame
150 g semi firm tofu
2 tablespoon corn flour
(dust the tofu pieces lightly with corn flour, all sides have to be fully coated)
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
and for stir fry later


As for the sauce, you will need:

1/2 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1/8 cup distilled vinegar
1/8 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon corn flour

(Mix everything together- except for the corn flour, season to taste with salt and brown sugar.
Make sure you stir well and that all the ingredients have dissolved, especially the salt,
​before adding more.
Once you get the flavours you are satisfied with, add corn flour and set aside.

Now, on to the actual cooking!

 1. Add about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a wok, make sure it's nice and hot before adding the prepared tofu pieces. It's important that when you drop a piece in there that the oil sizzles, otherwise the outside won't be as crispy as we hope.

2. Once the tofu is cooked on all sides, and turn golden brown- remove from oil and rest on kitchen towel. 

​3. Leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok, add onion and bell peppers. Stir fry until the onion becomes slightly translucent, add pineapple chunks. Stir fry for about a couple minutes more.

4. Add the sauce mixture to the pan, stir quickly because the corn flour will form the sauce into a lump if you leave it on the burner for too long. 

5. Fold the sauce onto the vegetables and fruit, make sure everything is fully coated. Once the sauce starts to turn clear, add fried tofu, gently fold everything together, and turn off the burner.

6. Sprinkle some toasted white sesame on top of our Sweet and Sour Tofu, serve immediately, with rice or fresh lettuce. 

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