| Almond Tofu | |
| Alternate Name: | almond tofu, almond jelly, almond float |
| Type: | Pudding |
| Main Ingredient: | Apricot kernel milk, water, gelling agent (usually agar) |
Almond tofu is a soft, jellied dessert made of apricot kernel milk, agar, and sugar popular throughout East Asia.
The name "tofu" here refers to "tofu-like solid"; soy beans, which are the main ingredient of tofu, are not used.[1] This naming convention is also seen in other East Asian dishes, such as Chinese (Chinese: 魚豆腐) and Japanese . Apricot kernel milk is often confused with almond milk, as apricot kernel itself is often confused with almond.
In the traditional recipe, the primary flavoring agent is apricot kernels, soaked and ground with water. The mixture is strained, sweetened, and heated with a gelling agent (usually agar). When chilled, the apricot kernel milk mixture solidifies into the consistency of a soft gelatin dessert.
Although the agar-based recipe is vegan, there are numerous nontraditional recipes that are not. Most are based on dairy products and a small amount of flavored extract. Gelatin is also a common substitute for agar. Annin jelly can be made from scratch or using instant mix. There is an instant soy-based powder with a coagulating agent, which dissolves in hot water and solidifies upon cooling.
In Taiwanese cuisine, the dish uses the sweeter southern variety of apricot kernels which are mixed with peanuts. In Taipei, the dessert originated as a food stall dish, but is now also served in banquets halls and hotel restaurants.[2] In Hawaii where it is commonly known as "almond float," it was introduced by Chinese immigrants starting in the 1850s, it is now usually made with gelatin and almond extract and typically mixed with canned fruit cocktail and canned lychee.[3]