Tofu Pudding (Tào Phớ/Douhua)

Ingredients

• 2 gelatin sheets ((about 2g each gelatin sheet with 200-225 bloom strengths))
• 1 5/6 cups good quality soy milk ((440-450ml))
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar ((10g, light brown sugar is also fine))
• 3 1/2 tablespoons rock sugar ((40g, or use all brown sugar))
• 1 cup water ((240ml))
• a 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced ((about 10g))
• more cold soy milk

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To make the tofu pudding ---

2. 2

   Place the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water and soak to hydrate for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add 1⅚ cups of soy milk to a small pot and place over medium-low to medium heat. Bring it to a very gentle simmer when steams start coming out and tiny bubbles form on the surface.

4. 4

   Remove gelatin sheets from water and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Add them to the pot of soy milk and stir to dissolve completely.

5. 5

   Remove the pot from the heat and pour over a sieve into a clean container. If there are any bubbles on the surface, remove them for a smooth surface. Let the milk mixture cool down, then cover and let it set in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

6. 6

   --- To make the ginger syrup ---

7. 7

   Add all the sugar and water to a small pot over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add ginger slices and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the syrup reaches your desired sweetness and consistency. You can adjust to taste with more or less sugar and ginger.

9. 9

   Transfer to a container, let it cool then cover and chill in the refrigerator.

10. 10

    --- To serve ---

11. 11

    To serve the pudding with ginger syrup: use a ladle to cut the pudding into thin curds and place them in serving bowls, then pour the cold ginger syrup over it.

12. 12

    To serve the pudding with soy milk: use a ladle to cut the pudding into thin curds and place them in serving bowls, then pour cold soy milk over it.