Vegetarian Pad Thai

It's the lenten season, meaning it's the perfect time to try going vegetarian! This season makes me doubly happy because I feel like with just a little more push, I could convince more people to try vegetarianism. So here's another ovo vegetarian recipe for you all. Trust me, it tastes super!

Disclaimer: I did this on a random day so I apologize for the lack of "proper" ingredients, I had to make do with whatever was available at home. Also, don't be scared of cooking pad thai, it just sounds complicated, it's actually very very easy!

Vegetarian Pad Thai 

What you need:

Rice Noodles

Tamarind Paste

or Pad Thai Paste

Firm tofu

Chinese Cabbage

Bean Sprouts

Soy Sauce

Hot Water

Sugar

3 Eggs

Garlic

Onion

Oil for frying
Almonds (used in this recipe) or peanuts (more preferable)


Procedure:
1. Boil some water in a large pot, take it off the heat, then drop the rice noodles in. Cooking will take around 15-30 minutes depending on the brand of noodles you get. You'll know it's okay when the noodles start to get soft but not soggy. You don't have to cook it too much at this point because you will be stir frying it later on.

 2. Cut the tofu in small squares and deep fry it. Remember, the key to a good deep fried anything is to have at least three inches of oil in. I suggest you get a small deep pot for this purpose.

3. In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup hot water, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons tamarind paste, 3 tablespoons sugar. Taste and adjust the soy sauce and sugar depending on your preference. If you have pad thai paste, you can simply mix hot water, soy sauce and the paste. Ha! Easy right? It's important to perfect the taste at this stage because it's harder to adjust it when you've already mixed in the noodles.

4. Saute the garlic, onions and your bean sprouts. After it has wilted and let out some of its water, add in the chinese cabbage until it turns bright green.

5. Make a small cave in the middle and add in your eggs and stir fry until the vegetables get coated evenly.

6. Add in your cooked rice noodles and 1/3 of your prepared sauce.

7. Pour the remaining sauce on top of your fried tofu like so:

8. Add in the tofu and stir fry until done!

9. Add in some toasted almonds/peanuts, and top with fried eggs:

Yum-o! my own vegetarian pad thai :)

You can serve this with chili sauce or chili flakes on the side.

Best served with lime wedges and a smile ;) Have a meaningful holy week everyone!