Tasting Tradition

 Today Is Asalha Puja or Dharma Day, a holiday that celebrates Buddha’s first sermon, in which he set out to his five former associates the doctrine that had come to him following his enlightenment. This first pivotal sermon, often referred to as “setting into motion the wheel of dhamma,” is the teaching that is encapsulated for Buddhists in the Four Noble Truths: there is suffering (dukkha); suffering is caused by craving (tanha); there is a state (Nibbana) beyond suffering and craving; and finally, the way to nirvana is via the Noble Eightfold Path.

This first sermon is not only the first structured discourse given by the Buddha after his enlightenment, This sermon also also contained the essence of all his subsequent teachings. At the end of the talk, one of the five participants recounted his understanding of what had been said and asked to be received as a disciple, a request the Buddha granted, thus establishing the first order of monks.

Here’s a simple Buddhist-friendly recipe for you to celebrate Asalha. This dish is flavorful and symbolic of the Buddhist values of compassion and non-harm towards animals, making it suitable for Asalha Puja. 

Vegetarian Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably palm sugar or brown sugar)
• Cooked rice, to serve

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vegetarian oyster sauce (if using). Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu and stir-fry until golden and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and chopped red chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced bell pepper and green beans to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Return the cooked tofu to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil.

Serve the vegetarian Thai basil stir-fry hot with steamed rice.

Chef’s Tip: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies according to your preference.

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