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Vegetarian Tofu Tikka Masala

This saucy dish is inspired by the Indian dish, chicken tikka masala. It’s great as a hearty dinner any day of the week and works perfectly as leftovers for lunch! This tikka masala only has a hint of warm heat, making it enjoyable for everyone, as it isn’t very spicy. The tofu in this dish incorporates into the sauce very well and the texture reminds me of paneer, another ingredient common in Indian cuisine. You can serve this tofu tikka masala over a bed of rice or with naan bread for dipping to make a tasty and filling meal.

This dish is vegetarian, but you can easily make it suitable for vegans or those who are dairy-free. Substituting with vegan butter, coconut or soy yogurt, and full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream will make the dish taste just as delicious as the original recipe.

 

Ingredients for the marinade:

14 oz block of firm or extra-firm tofu
½ cup greek yogurt
1 T minced garlic
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
1 tsp garam masala

 

Ingredients for the sauce:

1 T oil
1 T butter
1 small onion
1 T minced garlic
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground turmeric
8 oz canned tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp brown sugar

 

Directions:

Cut your tofu into 1 inch cubes and set it aside.

In a large bowl, create the marinade by adding your spices, greek yogurt and salt. Stir until combined.

Add your tofu to the large bowl and stir it until it is fully covered in the marinade. Set it aside and allow it to marinade for 10 minutes.

To begin making the sauce, finely dice your onion.

In a large pan on medium heat, add your onion and butter, cooking until the onion has softened and become clear.

Add your spices and stir them to incorporate them, allowing them to toast for 1 minute.

Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and stir, allowing the spices to incorporate.

Slowly pour your heavy cream and stir, creating the sauce as you mix the ingredients in the pan.

Add your marinated tofu, along with the marinade into the pan. Stir to incorporate the marinade and the sauce.

Cover the tofu tikka masala with a lid and allow it to simmer on medium to low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool before serving. Serve over rice or with naan bread and enjoy!