Tofu Curry in Spiced Tomato Sauce
Try this tangy, one-pot tomato-tofu curry that is fast, flavorsome, with a rich blend of spices. Using ripe, fresh tomatoes is key so try not to use canned tomatoes. Serve with warmed flatbreads or basmati rice for a simple, satisfying weeknight meal!
Serves 4
Ingredients
5 medium sized ripe tomatoes
1 tbsp oil
1 block of extra firm tofu
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
2 green cardamom pods
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1-2 tsp ground cayenne, to taste
1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt, to taste
2 tsp garam masala
Freshly chopped cilantro
Directions
In a blender, pureé the tomatoes until smooth. You may add a 1/4 cup water to help your blender. Set the processed tomato aside.
Drain the water out of the tofu packaging, press them using a tofu press or by putting a heavy plate on top to remove the excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes and set them aside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in deep non-stick skillet & pan fry the tofu cubes on medium-high until slightly brown.
With a slotted spoon, remove the tofu cubes & transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel.
To the same skillet, add the whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods & fennel seeds) & sauté for a minute.
Add the pureed tomatoes, season with salt and let it simmer until some of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes on medium-high
Now, add the ground cayenne, Kashmiri red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and season with salt.
Add 1/4 cup hot water & continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat & gently add the pan-fried tofu & cook for 5 more minutes
Check for seasoning, mainly salt and ground cayenne, & adjust accordingly.
Sprinkle the garam masala & stir gently to combine & simmer for 2 more min. If it appears too thick, you may adjust the consistency by adding some water.
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
*Discard the cardamom before serving
.*Kashmiri red chili powder gives this dish its rich red hue. It appears bright red but not a hot variety. If you are unable to find it in the store, substitute it with paprika (adjust quantity accordingly)
