Tofu Jalfrezi (One Pan Indian Smoky Tofu Pepper Tomato stir fry)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
139 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Tofu Jalfrezi (One Pan Indian Smoky Tofu Pepper Tomato stir fry)
Description
Tofu Jalfrezi blends firm tofu cubes pan-fried until golden with a sauté of cumin seeds, dried chilies, onions, bell peppers, and spices including smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. The addition of tomato puree and fenugreek leaves develops a smoky, mildly spicy sauce. Lime juice brightens the dish, while optional liquid smoke enhances the smoky flavor. The stir fry cooks in a single pan, allowing the tofu to absorb the rich, aromatic sauce.
The dish balances the creamy tofu texture with tender-crisp bell peppers, providing both flavor and contrast. The gently toasted spices and cooked garlic and ginger form a deep, layered base. This one-pan method simplifies cleanup and is practical for weekday cooking.
It can be served as a main dish with rice or flatbreads. Adjust seasoning and heat levels to preference. Variations include using chickpeas or different vegetables instead of tofu, and adjustments for soy-free or onion-garlic-free diets as noted in the recipe notes.
Ingredients
- 14 ounce firm tofu pressed at least for 15 minutes and cubed, or extra firm tofu
- 2 teaspoons oil divided
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 whole dried red chili Break the chilies into halfs only if you want extra heat, such as cayenne or Thai or Kashmiri chilies for mild
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced, large
- 1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced, large
- 1 to 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper less for less heat
- 4 ounces tomato puree
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or more
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoon fenugreek leaves
- cilantro for garnish
- liquid smoke optional, 2 drops
Instructions
- Press and cube the tofu if you haven't already. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Then once the oil is hot, add in your tofu and toss and cook until tofu is golden on most of the edges. Then remove from the skillet.
- Add the other teaspoon of oil and cook at medium high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add in the cumin seeds and mix. Once the cumin seeds are sizzling and have changed color, add in the dried chilies and mix in.
- Add in the onion, half of the red bell pepper, half of the green bell pepper, and smoked paprika and mix well. Cook until the onion is golden on most of the edges.
- Then add in the ginger, garlic and mix well. Add in the coriander and cayenne and mix and cook for another minute or two to cook the garlic as well as to toast the spices.
- Then add in the tomato puree, lime juice, salt, liquid smoke if using, and toss well. Add in the reserved bell peppers and mix in and bring to a boil.
- Then add in the toasted tofu and fenugreek leaves and mix well. Taste and adjust salt and flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover and cook for 3 minutes to meld the flavors , then remove the cover. Garnish with cilantro, lime juice, and serve with some flatbread, naan, pita bread or over rice. or add to tacos or wraps!
Notes
- To make a soy-free version, substitute chickpeas or chickpea tofu and omit the tofu pan-fry step.
- For onion and garlic-free cooking, omit the onion and garlic, increase peppers, and double the fenugreek leaves for flavor.
- Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots can replace tofu; cook them first until al dente before adding to the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 139 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 139kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 307mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 305mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1235IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 68mg | 76% |
| Calcium | 144mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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