Cooking Tofu In a Clay Pot

Posted by Kyle J. Norton,   Recipe Contributed by Margaret H 

Cooking in a clay pot makes the food tastier. Different types of food can be cooked in this pot. You can add meat, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms and many more. Different types of sauce can be used too according to individual taste. Oyster sauce, dark sauce or light sauce can be used.
Cooking in a clay pot can save you a lot of time. It is fast and easy to cook in. It is suitable to cook during cold weather as it keeps you warm and cozy.
Ingredients:
2 pieces soft tofu 
5 button mushrooms 
2 pieces black fungus 
a few slices of chicken meat 
1 small piece ginger 
2 cloves garlic 
some spring onions 
some shredded carrot 
2 cups water 
1 tsp corn starch with 2 tbsp water 
oil for frying
Seasoning:
1 tbsp oyster sauce 
1 tbsp light sauce 
1 tbsp dark sauce.
Method:
1. Soak black fungus till soft. Cut into small pieces.
2. Cut tofu into squares and deep fry in a wok till golden brown in colour. Put aside in a bowl.
3. Cut button mushrooms into halves and spring onions into 3cm in length.
4. Heat up a clay pot with medium heat. Fry ginger and garlic till fragrant.
5. Add in chicken meat spring onions, shredded carrot and fry for a few minutes.
6. Add 2 cups of water and all the seasoning. Let it simmer. Thicken the gravy with corn starch solution.
7. Serve the dish hot.
Notes: 
a) There are two types of black fungus. Sometimes it is called Cloud Ear. There is a small type that is usually used to cook dishes. The bigger ones are usually used for cooking with herbs. In fact, both can be used for cooking all types of dishes. The only difference is the texture. The smaller ones have softer skin and the taste is better. It is crunchy too. The bigger ones are thicker and tougher. They are sold in dried pieces. We have to soak them before cooking.
b) When using a clay pot, make sure you do not add cold water while cooking. The difference in temperature can make the pot to crack. Once it is cracked you have to throw it away. Nothing can be done to repair it. So be careful when using this type of pot. Nowadays the clay pot is glazed. This will prevent the pot from cracking easily. It is also easier to wash. Soak the pot first before washing.