Ma Po Tofu

Sorry about the shadows. Photo: Melissa McCart.

You can eliminate the pork and stock in this dish to make it vegan. I prefer it without.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Time: About 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cardamom pods

• 8 small dried chiles (like Thai or de arbol), stems removed

• 1 star anise

• 2 bay leaves

• One 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 4 whole cloves

• 1 tablespoon black peppercor…