He-zha(和渣) is ground soybean porridge, sometimes also called lazy tufu(懶豆腐). It is a traditional dish of the Tujia(土家) people from southwestern China. An old Tujia proverb mentions lazy tofu: Chilies for salt, he-zha to celebrate the new year(辣椒當鹽，合渣過年). Chilies are commonly used in Tujia cuisine, and lazy tofu is a traditional food at lunar new year as well as throughout the year.

Radish greens are typically added after removing the bitterness by massaging with salt and soaking or by blanching. Other greens such as squash leaves are used similarly.

Lazy tofu can be served plain or with toppings. Sometimes it is paired with potato or meat dishes. After he-zha sits out for a few days, it becomes sour he-zha(酸合渣), which is usually eaten with toppings such as chili sauce, minced meat(肉末), and egg.

Recipe

serves 4

He Zha

Ingredients

• 2 cup soybean(黃豆), soaked overnight and drained
• 4 – 5 cup water
• 1 cup radish greens(蘿蔔葉); massaged with salt, soaked, and drained (to remove bitterness); minced (substitute other greens)
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions

• grind soybean, water
• cook soybean slurry below a boil, about 10 minutes
• mix in radish greens
• add topping (optional)
• garnish with scallion (optional)
• serve

Chili Mushroom Topping

Ingredients

• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp piece ginger, minced
• 2 cup mushroom, minced
• ½ cup water
• 2 chili, minced
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions

• saute garlic, ginger, mushroom
• add water, chili, salt
• serve