Pan-Fried Beggar’s Purses

If you want to create a unique party food or starter course to any meal, this is for you. Loaded with veggies and plant-based protein, these richly-flavored babies are just the ticket to impress guests…or your family!

Makes 5-6 servings

Ingredient List:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 red onion, small dice
• organic soy sauce
• Generous pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 small leek, split lengthwise, rinsed well, small dice
• Mirin or white wine
• 8 ounces extra firm tofu, coarsely crumbled
• 10-12 won ton wrappers
• 10-12 green onions, split lengthwise, ends trimmed, blanched for 30 seconds
• 4-5 chives, cut into 4-inch lengths, for garnish

Step By Step Instructions:

Place a small amount of oil, garlic and onion in a skillet over medium heat. When the onion begins to sizzle, sprinkle with organic soy sauce and red pepper flakes and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in leek, sprinkle with soy sauce and sauté for 2 minutes. Sprinkle generously with mirin or wine and stir in crumbled tofu. Season to taste with soy sauce and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Lay a won ton wrapper on a dry work surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center. Roll, jelly-roll style and lay on seam side. Using steamed green onions, tie each end of the wrapper, creating an oblong ‘package.’ Set aside and repeat with remaining won ton wrappers and filling.

Place enough oil to lightly cover the bottom in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lay beggar’s purses in hot oil and cook, turning as they brown, to brown evenly. It is best to fry in batches, because if the packages are arranged too tightly in the pan, you will not be able to turn them without breaking.  

When the beggar’s purses are properly browned, drain them on paper, arrange on a platter and serve hot.