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TOFU SALAD WITH A SESAME DRESSING

Everyday Harumi
by Harumi Kurihara
Tofu and sesame are ingredients that really complement each other and once made, this simple sesame dressing can be used with a variety of dishes. You can buy prepared sesame sauce in most Japanese supermarkets but it is easy and rewarding to make yourself. Be careful when preparing the tofu. If it is drained too much it will lose its soft texture but too little and it will be watery. Don't assemble this salad until just before you are ready to serve.
Serves 4

Ingredients
• 10 oz soft/silken tofu
• 3½ oz bag mixed salad leaves

For The Sesame Sauce:
• 1 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• scant 1/3 cup superfine sugar

For The Sesame Dressing:
• 4 tablespoons sesame sauce (see above)
• 1 to2 tablespoons rice vinegar, unseasoned
• 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped leeks, washed and dried
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger

Directions
1. To make the sesame sauce: Grind 2/3 cup of the toasted sesame seed in a mortar until sticky. Then add the soy sauce and sugar and combine. Finish by lightly grounding the remaining 1/3 cup of toasted sesame seeds. Add them to the first mixture and mix into a smooth paste.

2. Drain the tofu. Cut it in half horizontally then into four, making eight pieces in total.

3. Put the salad leaves into a bowl of iced water to crisp. Drain, dry, and refrigerate.

4. To make the sesame sauce dressing: Put the sesame sauce in a bowl, add the rice vinegar, and mix. Then add the finely chopped leeks and ginger.

5. Place the tofu on a plate, pour over the sesame dressing, put the salad leaves on top, and serve.