Tamarind Tofu with Vegetables and Soba

1. Break open tamarind pods and scoop out flesh into a large bowl. Cover with hot water and let soften, about 1 hour. Push softened tamarind through a sieve with the back of a spoon to extract pulp, discarding seeds and tough fibers. Measure out a 1/2 cup of tamarind pulp; set aside.

2. Slice tofu crosswise into 6 rectangles. Cut rectangles in half into 12 squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 24 triangles. Layer tofu on paper towels, pressing to extract excess liquid, about 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Toss tofu triangles with 2 tablespoons peanut oil; arrange on baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 45 to 60 minutes.

6. Combine peanuts and sesame seeds in a large skillet or wok over medium heat; toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.

7. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add cucumber, carrots, green onions, and red bell pepper; saute just until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

8. Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tamarind pulp, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until sauce is combined, about 3 minutes.

9. Stir baked tofu triangles, peanuts, and sesame seeds into the sauce. Fold in cucumber mixture.

10. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add light and dark soba noodles; cook, stirring occasionally, under tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Top with tofu and cucumber mixture.

Cook's Notes:

You can also use a block of dried, seedless tamarind. Place tamarind in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let rehydrate, 8 hours to overnight. Push softened tamarind through a sieve with the back of a spoon to extract pulp, discarding tough fibers. Measure out a 1/2 cup of tamarind pulp and proceed with recipe.

Use firm or extra-firm tofu as desired. You can use 4 cups of your choice of sliced vegetables.

We serve this cold over noodles as a salad, or hot (without cucumber) over brown rice.