Filipino Tofu Arroz Caldo (vegatarian)

Tofu Arroz Caldo
1-1/2 pound fresh tofu
1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup rice grains(uncooked)
3 cloves minced garlic
7 cups water
1 medium onion, finely sliced
2 tablespoon vegan fish sauce or alternative (tamari etc)
5 stalks spring onion, finely sliced
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cut the tofu into one inch squares. Then deep fry it until golden brown. Set aside.
2. In a large non-stick soup pot over medium heat, sauté garlic in oil until lightly brown. Add ginger and onion, stir for a minute. Then add fish sauce.
3. Add rice, water and a little salt and pepper. Simmer in medium low heat, stirring occassionallyfor about 40 minutes or until the consistency of a light creamed soup has been reached.
4. Add the fried tofu and correct seasonings to taste. Stir in a small amount of sliced scallion.
If rice soup becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it a bit. Garnish individual bowl servings with sliced scallions just before serving.
5. If you prefer, sprinkle a little lemon juice on the soup servings. This will give a pleasant tartness to the dish.

Serves: 6 - 8