The short answer
The dish I always order at Indian restaurants is Paneer Tikka Masala. Since I've gone vegan, I had to come up with a plant-based version. After looking for Paneer Substitutes, I found that tofu is just exceptional in this recipe.
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This restaurant-style recipe takes time, but it's worth the effort. It’s rich in flavor, has an indulging bite, and you'll want to come back for more! Plus, it's lactose-free and vegan.
There are 3 steps to this recipe:
- The Tofu: The most indulging bite
- The Gravy: The creamy tomato-based sauce
- The Onion Tomato Masala: The extra layer of flavor!
I’ll guide you through each step with key information, and the recipe below includes all necessary quantities.
The tofu, Paneer Style
Tofu is the best replacement for paneer if you ask me. Here, the tofu is marinated with yogurt and spices. The secret is to coat your tofu in flour before marinating it. It will create a crust that will keep all the flavors while keeping the soft tofu texture intact.
For the marinade, I use:
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- Mustard
- Coconut oil
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
You can use mustard oil if available, but I find it easier to use coconut oil and mustard separately.
If you want to reduce meat consumption, boost your protein intake with tofu. And if you're unsure how to make it flavorful, check out my tofu cooking course!
The Comforting Gravy
This recipe uses a tomato-based gravy. To make it you will need a bunch of spices. I recommend using whole spices, it makes a whole difference compared to powdered spices. Fresher and tastier, I beg you to try it!
We start by frying dry red chilies, ginger, and garlic in oil. This technique, known as tempering, is the secret of flavors in many Indian dishes. It releases the essential oils of spices into the fat.
Next, add tomatoes, ginger, and powdered spices, and cook them in water.
Finally, Add a few cashew nuts. Don't skip this step! Cashew nuts will bring the creaminess when blended, similar to cashew cream.
Blend and strain everything for the best texture! Press the gravy through a strainer with a spoon to get the most out of it!
The Onion Tomato Masala
Once again, we’ll use the tempering technique to create that extra flavor boost.
Tempered spices include:
- Bay leaf
- Onion
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
Sauté finely chopped tomatoes with the spices.
Now everything is ready! Mix all the components, garnish with coriander or mint, and top with fresh cream.
The Recipe
Tofu Tikka Masala
Tofu Tikka masala is a great comfy to make. Fresh tomatoes gravy, with a onion-tomato masala covering golden crust tofu topped with fresh mint and leaves.
Prep time
20
mins
Cooking Time
40
mins
Servings
2
people
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 400g smoked tofu (pressed)
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 4 tbsp plain unsweetened vegan yogurt
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 dry red chilies
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 white onions.
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 6 cashew nuts
For the Onion Tomato Masala:
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- a medium tomato, finely chopped.
To Garnish:
- Fresh coriander (or mint leaves)
- Soy Cream
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu:
- Cut the tofu in cubes. Coat them in flour.
- In a bowl, add the tofu, the flour, red chili powder, garam masala, mustard, coconut oil, and ginger-garlic paste with vegan yogurt. Mix well.
- In a non-stick pan, heat up oil and add the tofu. Cook on all side until the flour get golden. Keep aside.
Cook the Gravy:
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a pot and fry the dry red chilies with ginger-garlic paste for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, onions, garam masala, cumin, and sautéed well.
- Add vegetable broth (or water) and salt to taste. Cover and cook on medium heat about 7 minutes until tomatoes turn soft.
- Add cashew nuts, bring it to boil for 2 minutes.
- Blend the gravy until smooth, and strain it.
Make the Onion Tomato Masala:
- In a separate pan, heat oil and add the bay leaf, finely chopped onion, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for 3-5 minutes.
- Add red chili powder, turmeric, and the tomatoes. Saute it well for 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu, the gravy and cook it for 2 minutes on low heat. Finish with fresh cream.
