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Tofu Tikka Masala

Tofu Tikka Masala

This Tofu Tikka Masala is a flavorful vegan dish packed with spices and creamy coconut milk, perfect over rice or with naan.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • tofu press
  • Frying pan
  • Skillet
  • Sauté pan
  • Spice grinder
  • immersion blender

Ingredients
  

Tofu Tikka

  • 2 blocks extra firm tofu 14-ounce/400g blocks
  • 1 cup unsweetened thick vegan yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or grated
  • 0.5 inch fresh ginger grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1.5 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt

Tikka Spice Blend

  • 1.5 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 4 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 30 whole black peppercorns
  • 6 pods green cardamom only black seeds; discard pods
  • 2 sticks cinnamon 2-to-3 inch
  • 0.5 tablespoon fenugreek leaves optional but recommended
  • 1.5 teaspoons Indian red chile powder use half for milder heat
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated or pre-ground

Masala

  • 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 6 whole dried red chilies or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large red onion or 2 small red onions, finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 inches ginger minced or grated
  • 1 count serrano pepper diced, plus 1 for garnish
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Indian red chile powder use half for milder heat
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
  • 1 pound tomatoes diced
  • 1 cup cilantro stems finely chopped, leaves reserved for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves optional but recommended
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5 ounce/400 mL
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice plus more to taste

For serving

  • 3 cups cooked white rice or naan or roti
  • Vegan yogurt to dollop on top (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu

  • Press the tofu for 20 to 30 minutes, then tear into chunks.

Make the Tikka Spice Blend

  • Toast the whole spices in a frying pan until fragrant, then grind with other spices.

Make the Tikka Marinade

  • Mix marinade ingredients and coat the tofu. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours.

Bake the Tofu

  • Preheat the oven and broil tofu for 10-12 minutes until charred.

Prepare the Masala

  • Heat oil, add cumin seeds, then add the onions and cook until golden.
  • Add garlic, ginger, and spices, stirring frequently.
  • Add tomatoes and cook until softened, then stir in cilantro stems and water.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes, then add coconut milk, garam masala, and butter.
  • Add baked tofu and simmer for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve

  • Garnish and serve over rice or with flatbread.

Notes

For a thicker yogurt, use varieties like Kite Hill's Greek-style almond yogurt or a thick coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Coconut, Healthy, Spicy, Tikka Masala, Tofu, Vegan
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