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Vegan Palak Tofu "Paneer" - Tofu in Spinach Sauce

This Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer is the easiest and the tastiest dairy-free, gluten-free Saag Tofu. Tofu in Spinach Sauce. Can be made soy-free with chickpea tofu. Ready in 20 Minutes!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 226 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian , Vegan , gluten-free

Ingredients

Spiced Tofu
  • 2 teaspoons oil
  • 7 oz firm tofu block , 1.5 cups cubed tofu, pressed for 10 mins to remove excess moisture and then cubed
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • a generous pinch of kala namak , optional, or use 1 tsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne Or use paprika for less heat
Spinach curry
  • 2 cups packed spinach washed, chopped if large, Or 6-8 oz frozen spinach
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup almond milk or coconut milk (use less or more for preferred consistency)
  • 2 Tablespoons soaked cashews , soaked for 15 minutes or use ground raw cashew (less or more for creamy consistency to preference)
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1 Serano chili pepper or to taste
  • 1 medium tomato chopped
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon raw sugar or maple syrup
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garam masala , less or more to preference, depends on the freshness of the spice mix and your preference of flavor
  • cashew cream, pepper flakes to garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a pan, add oil and heat on medium heat. Chop up the tofu and add to the oil. Mix to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add all the spices under Spiced Tofu and mix to coat. (Add 2 tsp nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor if you like) Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, partially covered on low-medium heat. See video.Alternatively: Toss the tofu in oil and the spices, spread on parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 20 mins for a more paneer-ish texture.
  2. Meanwhile, wash the fresh spinach and add it and all the other ingredients under Spinach curry except garam masala to the blender. Blend into a smooth puree. Add the puree to the sizzling tofu. Mix well. Add garam masala to taste. Cook covered on low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the raw garlic smell is not detectable and desired sauce consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust salt and spice.
  3. Drizzle some cashew cream and Serve hot with Naan, Roti or other flat breads, or with quinoa or rice. Add pepper flakes for added heat. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder for variation.

Notes

  • Nut-free, use coconut milk or coconut cream instead of almond milk and garnish with coconut cream. Omit cashews
  • Soy-free : Use chickpea tofu or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
  • Variation:
  • Reserve some of the crisped tofu to add on top and serve. 
  • You can also use Tempeh to make this. Cook the tempeh with oil for 3 minutes, then add spices under spiced tofu and a 1/2 cup water. Cook covered on low-medium, for 15-20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Use potatoes and/or cauliflower, and follow steps under spiced tofu. Cook at low heat for 6-8 minutes, then add spinach puree.
  • If you dont have garam masala spice blend, use curry powder, or use cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon powders and a bay leaf.
  • Nutritional values based on one serving

Nutrition Information

Calories 226kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 598mg (25%) Potassium 403mg (12%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 3540IU (71%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 208mg (21%) Iron 3.3mg (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 226

% Daily Value*

Calories 226kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 598mg 25%
Potassium 403mg 9%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 3540IU 71%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 208mg 21%
Iron 3.3mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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