Hearty and warm, this healthy homemade Palak Tofu recipe is a nourishing and comforting dish of fresh ingredients that wraps you up in a blanket of spices and greens. This easy curry is full of bold flavours, perfect for lunch or dinner, and simply the best.
Table of contents
1. About the recipe
2. Ingredients
3. Step by Step
4. Tips
1. About the recipe
Traditionally made with paneer, this version substitutes tofu, making it a wonderful addition to your collection of vegan recipes. The rich, earthy flavours of spinach, balanced with the creamy tofu, create a cozy meal that is both wholesome and nutritious.
For some time, I have been wanting to create a plant-based version of palak paneer. The vibrant green colour lures me in every time. Thankfully, this recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious and requires just 30 minutes. Give it a go, and let this dish become your new favourite.
Why you will love this Curry.
- Rich, Creamy and easy to prepare.
- Super healthy and wholesome.
- Requires few ingredients.
- Perfect for parties or get-togethers.
- Vegetarian
- Budget-friendly recipe
Let’s start cooking!
Serving Suggestion: 2 to 3
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
2. Ingredients
For the spinach base
- 400 grams of spinach leaves
- 2 tomato
- 3 to 4 green chillies
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 inch of ginger
For the tofu mixture
- 250 grams of tofu
- ¼ turmeric powder
- ½ tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt
- 100 ml of coconut cream or dairy cream
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp Refined oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp kasuri methi (Fenugreek leaves) ( optional)
- 100 ml of coconut cream or dairy cream
- Salt
3. Step-by-Step method
Step 1: Cook the Spinach
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add washed spinach leaves and cook them for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse the spinach with cold water and set aside.
Step 2: Preparation of Tofu
- Cut tofu into small cubes.
- Toss cubes of tofu into salt, turmeric powder and nutritional yeast (optional). Nutritional yeast adds an extra cheesy flavour to the dish.
- Heat oil in a saucepan or skillet. When hot, add the tofu in a single layer and fry for 8 to 10 minutes—flipping every 2 minutes from all sides. When golden all over, remove the seasoned tofu from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Preparation of Spinach Paste
- Chopped onion, ginger, garlic and green chillies.
- Chopped tomatoes.
- Heat oil in a saucepan on medium flame.
- Add cumin seeds along with chopped garlic and ginger, saute for a few seconds. Now add chopped onion and green chillies. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft before removing from the heat to cool slightly.
Combine the sauteed mixture with spinach in a blender along with a splash of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
Step 4: Preparation of Spinach Gravy
- Using the same frying pan, heat one tablespoon of oil.
- Add all the dry spices with a splash of water, mix well before adding spinach paste.
- Add salt and pour coconut cream, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Addition of Tofu
- Once the tofu is lightly fried, mix it well into the spinach gravy. Add crushed kasuri methi leaves. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat once combined.
- Optionally garnish with a swirl of coconut cream and red chilli flakes.
Serve :
Serve this delicious Palak Tofu warm with boiled rice or chapati, or any type of bread. Basmati rice is a classic pairing for palak tofu.
4. Tips
To achieve the best version of palak tofu, these tips are helpful.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach gives vibrant colour and rich flavour.
- Cook tofu properly: Ensure tofu cubes are fried, baked or grilled properly from all sides.
- Balancing of spices: Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
- Blend thoroughly: Blend spinach paste until a smooth consistency for the best texture in your curry.
