Shiitake & Tofu Patties

Like all mushrooms, Shiitake is a living organism with no roots, leaves, flowers or seeds. Shiitake are considered exotic royalty in the fungus family. A favourite in Chinese cuisine for its strong, smoky flavour, Shiitake is now included in world flavoursome dishes. But their health-giving properties have made this delectable food the symbol of Longevity throughout China for at least 6,000 years. Japanese and Swedish studies show that regular servings of Shiitake mushrooms help remove cholesterol from the body, while its abundant iron content is a must for Vegans, Vegetarians and flesh-eaters alike because Shiitake mushrooms are a source of vitamins B2, B5, B6, and D2, the minerals magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc, protein and dietary fibre. Shiitake mushrooms should never be overcooked. Wow.

Shiitake & Tofu Patties

Ingredients:

  • 375g firm tofu

  • 3 tablespoons besan flour

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts

  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms

  • 1/2 cup apple puree

  • 2 tablespoons grated red onion

  • 1 dessert spoon grated ginger

  • 2 tablespoons grated carrot

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • cornflour for coating patties

  • vegetable oil for frying

Method:

  1. Blend tofu with apple puree, besan flour and soy sauce until smooth;

  2. Stir in all other ingredients except cornflour and oil;

  3. Fashion mix into golf ball-sized rounds or if using as a burger make a large round and flatten it;

  4. Carefully coat in cornflour;

  5. Heat oil and fry balls or patties till golden on both sides;

  6. Serve hot with Chilli Sauce.

This dish is great served with a mix of steamed spinach, a drop of olive oil, lemon juice and pine nuts.

"Falling in love is like eating mushrooms, you never know if it's the real thing until it's too late."-

Willis Bennett Ballance (October 27, 1918 – September 23, 2004) was an American radio talk show host.