Tofu in Black Bean Sauce

Serves 3-4.

2 tablespoons oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 quarter-sized pieces of ginger, minced
1 teaspoon fermented black beans, rinsed in water to remove some of the
salt, then coarsely chopped.
2 or 3 green onions, chopped (green and white parts)
1 tablespoon black bean sauce
1 cup vegetable stock or water
2 blocks firm fried tofu, in 3/4 inch cubes
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Heat oil in large skillet or wok. Add the ginger and garlic; saute for about 20 seconds until the aroma "explodes". Add the black beans and the green onion and saute for about 10 seconds. Stir in the black bean paste and vegetable stock; mix well. Add the tofu cubes. Turn the heat down to maintain a strong simmer; cover and let cook about 20 minutes. Add the sesame oil and give a brief stir. Serve over rice.