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
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
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
Jessica Kronteres
[email protected]This is the best saag tofu I have ever had. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I highly recommend this recipe.
Bharat Sangraula
[email protected]This saag tofu is simply amazing! The flavors are incredible and the tofu is cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again and again.
MUHAMMAD ISMAILA
[email protected]This saag tofu is a must-try for any fan of Indian food. It's a delicious and authentic dish that will transport you to the streets of Delhi.
zakria sarki
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great way to show off your culinary skills. It's a complex and flavorful dish that will wow your friends and family.
Najia Ema
[email protected]This saag tofu is the perfect dish for a special occasion. It's elegant and delicious, and it's sure to impress your guests.
Meshack Roba
[email protected]I love the creamy texture of the sauce in this dish. It's so rich and flavorful. I could eat it with a spoon!
Phetogo Makitla
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great make-ahead meal. You can cook it ahead of time and then reheat it when you're ready to eat. It's perfect for busy weeknights.
jayodya sasitha
[email protected]I love that this recipe is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your own taste. I like to add a little bit of heat with some cayenne pepper.
Rasak Akanbi
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the flavor of the sauce, and they don't even realize that they're eating spinach.
Polok Ahamed
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of tofu, but this recipe changed my mind! The tofu was so flavorful and well-seasoned. I will definitely be making this dish again.
Bhupinder Paul
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great way to use up leftover tofu. I always have a block of tofu in my fridge, and this recipe is a great way to use it up before it goes bad.
Raja Ishtiaq
[email protected]I love the vibrant color of this dish! The green spinach and the orange tofu make it so visually appealing. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Malik Umaiz
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's healthy and delicious. I love that I can get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Sandra Benavides
[email protected]I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to cook tofu, and this recipe definitely delivered! The tofu was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.
Ari Ambrose
[email protected]This saag tofu is the perfect comfort food. It's warm, hearty, and filling. Plus, the flavors are so comforting and satisfying. I love eating this dish on a cold winter day.
Ann James
[email protected]I made this recipe for a party I was hosting, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the dish. I will definitely be making this again for future parties.
Slare Gaming
[email protected]This saag tofu is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The spinach is packed with nutrients, and the tofu is a good source of protein. Plus, it's all cooked in a delicious sauce that makes it easy to eat.
Christopher Mwailo
[email protected]I love how easy this recipe was to follow. Even as a beginner cook, I was able to make this dish without any problems. The end result was a delicious and healthy meal that my whole family enjoyed.
Artemis Zahedfar
[email protected]This saag tofu was an absolute delight! The spinach and tofu were perfectly cooked, and the ginger, coriander, and turmeric gave it a wonderfully aromatic flavor. I will definitely be making this again.