Tofu with Salted Mustard Greens

I have certain childhood memories about food that are hard to satisfy if you don't make the food yourself. One of the things I crave frequently is Salted Mustard Greens. I have occasionally found them at the 99 Ranch Market, but rarely so I finally decided to make them myself. And, it was so easy that I will not go back to buying them again. You simply chop up mustard greens, mix in the salt and let it sit in the refrigerator for several days.  Then you add them to soups and stir fries for a lovely salty and slightly bitter flavor.  I like Salted Mustard Greens best when mixed with Tofu of some kind. For this dish, it is a simple combination of Tofu, marinated in Tamari and stir fried with some green onions and the Mustard Greens.  That's it. It's simple and delicious and very healthy too!

Salted Mustard Greens

2 cups chopped Mustard Green leaves

2 teaspoons salt

Mix Mustard Green leaves with the salt in a little glass container with a lid.  Put in the refrigerator and let sit, stirring once a day for three days. 

Tofu with Salted Mustard Greens

1 pound block of Firm Tofu, drained and cut into small cubes

3 Tablespoons Tamari

2 Tablespoons Oil (I use High Heat Safflower)

3 - 4 Green Onions, stems removed, cut into small pieces

1 cup of Salted Mustard Greens, drained

Optional:  small sprinkling of Red Chili Flakes

Put the Tamari in a small bowl and toss with the Tamari for 5 - 10 minutes.  Then heat a frying pan and put in the oil.  Add in the Green Onions and stir fry until they start to wilt. Then add in the tofu and cook until it just begins to brown, stirring frequently. Add in the Salted Mustard Greens and Red Chili Flakes (if using) and toss until heated through.  Serve with Rice.

Five Element Analysis

Tofu belongs to both the Water Element (as it comes from beans) but since it is processed and white, it also belongs to the Metal Element so those elements are both already covered. The Tamari adds even more Water and the Green Onions adds more Metal.  The Mustard Greens belong to the Wood Element and the fact that they are salted adds even more Water.  If you use the Red Chili Flakes, you bring in the Fire Element, otherwise add another Fire food or beverage - tea is good. And then, only the Earth Element is missing. Serving another dish in a Family style meal that incorporates Earth is recommended to achieve Five Element balance.