Best 7 Indian Tofu With Spinach Recipes

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Welcome to the exploration of a delightful culinary journey as we delve into the art of preparing the tantalizing dish of Indian tofu with spinach. This delectable vegan delight is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let us embark on a voyage through a treasure trove of tempting recipes, unveiling the intricacies of this vibrant dish that celebrates the goodness of tofu and spinach in a symphony of spices.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SAAG TOFU (TOFU WITH SPINACH, GINGER, CORIANDER AND TURMERIC)



Saag Tofu (Tofu With Spinach, Ginger, Coriander and Turmeric) image

Raghavan Iyer, author of "660 Curries," describes the Indian cheese paneer as "fresh, firm and chewy" and "not unlike a block of extra-firm tofu," which you could substitute for paneer in a pinch. Tofu takes the place of paneer in this lighter version of saag paneer, a classic Indian dish made with fresh spinach sautéed in plenty of ginger, cumin, fennel seeds, chiles, coriander and turmeric. Here, seared tofu and yogurt are stirred in at the end, making it a creamy, satisfying, almost-vegan meal that's wonderful served with naan or over rice.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 pound firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped shallot or red onion
4 lengthwise slices peeled fresh ginger (2 inches long, 1 inch wide, 1/8 inch thick), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 whole dried red chilies, like Thai, cayenne or arbol
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, ground
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, stems trimmed at the end and washed in 2 changes of water, or 12 ounces baby spinach, rinsed
1/2 cup drained yogurt
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps:

  • Drain the tofu on paper towels. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a wok or a large, heavy lidded skillet and add the tofu. Stir-fry until golden brown and remove from the heat.
  • Combine the shallot or onion and the ginger in a food processor or mini-chop and blend until finely minced, almost a paste.
  • Heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat in a wok or skillet and add the cumin seeds, fennel seeds and whole chiles. Cook, stirring, for about 15 seconds, or until the spices are fragrant and reddish-brown. Add the onion and ginger and stir-fry until it is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the coriander, salt, cayenne and turmeric, stir for about 10 seconds and add the spinach in batches, adding the next batch after the first batch wilts and stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
  • Stir in the tofu, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach is uniformly wilted and the tofu is warmed through.
  • Whisk the cornstarch into the yogurt. Remove the pan from the heat, remove the chilies, and stir in the yogurt. Taste, adjust salt and serve with rice or other grains.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 274, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 751 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SAAG TOFU (INDIAN TOFU WITH SPINACH)



Saag Tofu (Indian Tofu With Spinach) image

This is a delicious and healthier version of saag paneer (palak paneer) that uses tofu rather than cheese. The Indian spices lend a lot of flavour to the tofu. From "EatingWell Magazine".

Provided by blucoat

Categories     Stew

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (14 ounce) package water-packed firm tofu, drained
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon freshly grated gingerroot
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 lb Baby Spinach
1 cup low-fat yogurt or 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Cut tofu into thirds lengthwise and eighths crosswise. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring gently every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, ginger and mustard seeds and cook until the onion is translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Add spinach in batches small enough to fit in the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until all the spinach has been added and has wilted, 4 to 6 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, combine yogurt, curry powder, cumin and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add to the pan along with the tofu and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

INDIAN TOFU AND SPINACH OVER ALMOND RICE



Indian Tofu and Spinach over Almond Rice image

Make and share this Indian Tofu and Spinach over Almond Rice recipe from Food.com.

Provided by dicentra

Categories     Soy/Tofu

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (14 ounce) container firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 1-1/2 inch dices
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 inches piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 (10 ounce) boxes frozen spinach, defrosted, squeezed dry of excess liquid in a kitchen towel
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable stock or 2 cups broth
2 tablespoons curry paste
1/4 cup prepared mango chutney
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas
1 cup sliced almonds

Steps:

  • Prepare the rice according to the package directions.
  • Preheat a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the vegetable oil. Add the tofu, season with salt and pepper, and lightly brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • Remove the tofu from the skillet and reserve on a plate. To the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, onions, cumin and coriander.
  • Sauté together for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onions are tender. Add the spinach and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the vegetable stock and bring to a bubble. Add the curry paste, mango chutney, and chick peas, then return the browned tofu to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer the curry for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • While the curry is simmering, toast the almonds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, add the toasted almonds, and stir with the fork.
  • Serve the curry in shallow bowls with a scoop of almond rice on top (rice on the bottom gets too mushy).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 855.3, Fat 31.4, SaturatedFat 3.9, Sodium 457.2, Carbohydrate 118.9, Fiber 18.6, Sugar 5, Protein 32.9

CURRIED SPINACH AND TOFU



Curried Spinach and Tofu image

SMART SUBSTITUTIONS This recipe is inspired by saag paneer, an Indian dish traditionally made with soft, fresh cheese; here, the cheese is replaced with tofu, which is lower in fat. Reduced-fat sour cream, instead of coconut milk, thickens the curry sauce.

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
1 medium onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon curry powder, preferably Madras
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, cut into pieces (do not thaw)
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 packages (12.5 ounces each) extra-firm silken tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Cooked rice, preferably basmati, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add curry powder and ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add spinach and the water; bring to a boil, breaking up spinach with a spoon. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until almost all liquid has evaporated, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Stir in sour cream and tofu; cook just to heat through, 3 to 5 minutes (do not boil). Serve with rice, if desired.
  • Tofu is sold in two types of packaging in grocery stores: refrigerated and shelf stable. Shelf-stable tofu can be stored at room temperature until opened, up to about 1 year (check the label for the use-by date); look for it in the Asian-food section.
  • Per Serving (without Rice)
  • Calories: 294
  • Fat: 17.3g
  • Protein: 21.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.6g
  • Fiber: 5.6g

INDIAN TOFU WITH SPINACH



INDIAN TOFU WITH SPINACH image

Categories     Cheese

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 pound firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped shallot or red onion
4 lengthwise slices peeled fresh ginger (2 inches long, 1 inch wide, 1/8 inch thick), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 whole dried red chilies, like Thai, cayenne or arbol
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, ground
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, stems trimmed at the end and washed in 2 changes of water, or 12 ounces baby spinach, rinsed
1/2 cup drained yogurt
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps:

  • 1. Drain the tofu on paper towels. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a wok or a large, heavy lidded skillet and add the tofu. Stir-fry until golden brown and remove from the heat. 2. Combine the shallot or onion and the ginger in a food processor or mini-chop and blend until finely minced, almost a paste. 3. Heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat in a wok or skillet and add the cumin seeds, fennel seeds and whole chilies. Cook, stirring, for about 15 seconds, or until the spices are fragrant and reddish-brown. Add the onion and ginger and stir-fry until it is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the coriander, salt, cayenne and turmeric, stir for about 10 seconds and add the spinach in batches, adding the next batch after the first batch wilts and stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. 4. Stir in the tofu, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach is uniformly wilted and the tofu is warmed through. 5. Whisk the cornstarch into the yogurt. Remove the pan from the heat, remove the chilies, and stir in the yogurt. Taste, adjust salt and serve with rice or other grains.

TOFU WITH SPINACH SAUCE



Tofu With Spinach Sauce image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds spinach
12 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu
2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 dried chilies
2 tablespoons garam masala or curry powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cup yogurt
1 1/2 cups light cream or half-and-half

Steps:

  • Trim and wash spinach; do not dry. Chop leaves in one-inch pieces. Cut tofu in two horizontally and wrap in paper towels. Put it under a couple of plates.
  • Put butter or oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. A minute later, add ginger, garlic and chilies and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic begins to color.
  • Stir in garam masala or curry powder and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until it wilts, then add yogurt and a cup of cream. Pick out chilies and discard.
  • Cook mixture over medium-high heat; liquid in spinach will boil off. When mixture is nearly dry, cut tofu into half-inch pieces and incorporate. When tofu is hot, add remaining cream and cook for another minute or two, stirring. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 446, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

INDIAN-SPICED TOFU WITH WILTED SPINACH AND YOGURT



Indian-Spiced Tofu with Wilted Spinach and Yogurt image

Golden cubes of tofu, sauteed with mustard and coriander seed, replace paneer cheese in this nod to the classic Indian dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 ounces firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons canola oil
Coarse salt
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon coriander seed, crushed
1/4 teaspoon mustard seed, crushed
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, stemmed and chopped
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 cups cooked brown rice

Steps:

  • Press tofu.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook, turning, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and season with salt.
  • Heat remaining oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and spices and cook, stirring, until spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in yogurt. Season with salt and stir in golden tofu. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450 g, Cholesterol 5 g, Fat 15 g, Fiber 12 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 324 g

Tips:

  • Use firm or extra-firm tofu: This will hold its shape better during cooking.
  • Press the tofu before cooking: This will remove excess water and help the tofu absorb more flavor.
  • Marinate the tofu: This will add flavor and help the tofu stay moist.
  • Cook the tofu over medium heat: This will help prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan and burning.
  • Stir the tofu frequently: This will help ensure that the tofu cooks evenly.
  • Add the spinach at the end of cooking: This will help prevent the spinach from becoming overcooked.
  • Serve the tofu and spinach immediately: This will ensure that the dish is at its best.

Conclusion:

Indian tofu with spinach is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The tofu is a good source of protein and calcium, while the spinach is a good source of vitamins and minerals. This dish is also a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy tofu, then this Indian tofu with spinach recipe is a great option.

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