Stir-Fried Tofu And Shiitake Mushrooms In Spicy Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients

• 18 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 3 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 small leek (white and pale green parts only), cut into matchstick-size strips
• 1/4 cup asian fermented black beans
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon finely crushed szechuan peppercorns (wild pepper), or coarsely crushed black pepper
• 2 14-ounce containers soft tofu, drained, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)