Fry tofu in very hot olive or peanut oil until golden to seal. Pour oil from above into bottom of stock pot, adding enough to cover the bottom of the pot, if necessary. Make a roux by adding an equal amount of flour, cooking until thickened. Add remaining ingredients except parsley. Simmer for 25 minutes.
Add drained tofu, place lid on pot and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bay leaves and let cool for 15 minutes. Reheat if necessary and serve over steamed rice. Top with fresh parsley.
Servings: 6 to 8