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Butter Tofu

Savory Butter Tofu: A Vegan Delight You'll Crave

Experience a comforting dish with this creamy Butter Tofu, providing a rich plant-based twist on traditional Indian cuisine.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu
  • 1 block Extra-firm Tofu Press thoroughly to remove moisture
  • 1/2 cup Nondairy Yogurt Plain unsweetened
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) Fresh cloves recommended
  • 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger (Minced) For maximum flavor
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Opt for fresh juice
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion (Diced) Finely diced
  • 1 tbsp Garam Masala Essential spice mix
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Fresh ground
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Freshly ground enhances flavor
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder Mild heat; substitute with paprika if needed
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Essential for the sauce
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes High-quality brands recommended
  • 1/2 cup Water Used to adjust sauce consistency
  • 2 tbsp Vegan Butter Adjust to taste
  • 1 can Full-fat Coconut Milk Substitutes acceptable
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar Optional based on taste
  • 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi Optional but recommended
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Optional for garnish
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil For marinating and frying
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1 pepper Optional Serrano/Jalapeño For added heat

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Saucepan
  • skillet
  • Blender

Method
 

Marinating the Tofu
  1. Press the extra-firm tofu for about 30 minutes to eliminate excess moisture and cut into bite-sized cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the nondairy yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil until well combined.
  3. Gently fold in the tofu cubes, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Tofu
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu cubes evenly.
  2. Bake for 15 minutes, then switch to broil for another 8-10 minutes, until charred and golden.
  3. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the tofu cubes until browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Stir in the additional garlic, ginger, and optional serrano or jalapeño, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking the Paste and Tomatoes
  1. Add the tomato paste and spices into the pan, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water, scraping any stuck bits from the bottom, and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
Blending (Optional)
  1. Blend the mixture until silky and smooth for a creamier consistency, then return to the stove to heat through.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Stir in the vegan butter, coconut milk, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. Fold the crispy tofu into the sauce and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve the Butter Tofu hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of coconut milk, paired with rice and naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Marinate tofu for best flavor and be attentive when broiling to prevent burning. Use quality tomatoes for the best taste.

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