Discover a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish with our Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer. This creamy, flavorful dish substitutes traditional paneer with tofu, making it a perfect plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Full Ingredients
To create this delicious Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer, gather the following ingredients:
- Tofu Paneer:
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu (drained and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- Saag Sauce:
- 4 cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped small)
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Grocery List
When shopping for this recipe, ensure you have the following items:
- Extra-firm tofu
- Olive oil
- Baby spinach
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Onion
- Coconut milk (canned)
- Almond milk (unsweetened)
- Tomato paste
- Curry powder
- Garam masala
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste, curry powder, garam masala, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for about a minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and almond milk. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add Spinach:
- Reduce heat and add chopped spinach to the sauce. Stir frequently until the spinach wilts and combines with the sauce.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce:
- Gently fold in the fried tofu cubes into the spinach sauce. Simmer for an additional five minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm with basmati rice or naan.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
This Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer serves about four people. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 300 calories
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~5g
Tips and Notes
- Tofu Texture: For a firmer texture, press the tofu for at least an hour before cooking.
- Spinach Alternatives: You can substitute baby spinach with collard greens or kale if desired.
- Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper according to your spice preference; add cayenne for more heat.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the cooked spinach sauce before adding tofu.
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Indulge in this delightful Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer today—it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!