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5.0 from 72 votes

Vegan Paneer Lababdar (Tofu lababdar)

Vegan Paneer Lababdar with Tofu. Use this Luscious Indian Tomato Cashew Ginger Lababdar Sauce w/ chickpeas, veggies, chickpea tofu, seitan. Glutenfree Tofu Lababdar Recipe. Nutfree Soyfree Oilfree options

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 184 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian , Vegan , gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 14 oz firm tofu ,pressed for 15 mins and cubed
Tomato mixture:
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes or 3 medium
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 whole clove
Lababdar sauce:
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 medium onion , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp garam masala , or use a mix of ground cumin and coriander
  • 1/3 tsp cayenne , adjust to heat preference
  • 1/2 tsp salt , depends on if the tomatoes are salted. I use unsalted tomatoes and 3/4tsp salt.
  • 1 tsp sugar or other sweetener
  • 2 green chilies , chopped or 1/4 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (or use 1/4 tsp ground mustard)
  • garam masala, cayenne, cilantro for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Press the Tofu if you havent already while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Heat 1 tsp oil in a non stick or cast iron skillet. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden on most sides. 5 to 7 mins. Stir occasionally.
  2. Combine tomatoes, cashews, ginger, garlic and spices in a saucepan over medium heat with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 mins. Cool slightly and then blend. I usually let it cool while I cook the next 2 steps.
  3. Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet. Add bay leaves, onion and pinch of salt. Cook until onion is mostly golden.
  4. Add the spices and mix in. Add the blended tomato mixture and cook for 10 mins or until it thickens a bit and develops a shine.
  5. Add water, green chilies, salt and sugar and mix in. Add the panfried tofu and mix in and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 mins. Taste and adjust salt, flavor. Add half of the fenugreek leaves and mix in. Take off heat and let sit for 5 mins. Garnish with garam masala and remaining fenugreek and cilantro. (for events, restaurant style flavor, mix a tbsp vegan butter in, and dress with cashew cream/vegan cream). Serve with flatbreads, rice or naan. 
  6. Store the dish or the sauce from 5 refrigerated for upto 3 days, freeze for upto a month. To use the sauce, heat with water, chili, salt, sugar, and protein such as panfried tofu, steamed tempeh, seitan, cooked chickpeas or roasted veggies and simmer for 5 mins to 15 mins depending on the ingredient used. 

Notes

  • Soyfree: Use 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas, chickpea tofu or shredded seitan to make soyfree. Or use 2 cups of roasted veggies such as cauliflower, potato, zucchini etc. 
  • Nutfree: To sub cashews, Use 1/3 cup coconut cream, or 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower + 2 tbsp pepitas, or use 1/3 cup silken tofu + 1 tsp flour, or use macadamia nuts if those work. 
  • Oilfree: Toss the tofu in salt, and garam masala and bake for 20 mins then use. 
  • Saute the onion in 2 tbsp water or broth. 
  • Nutrition is for 1 serve without the flatbread/rice side. 
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Nutrition Information

Calories 184kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 423mg (18%) Potassium 305mg (9%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 185IU (4%) Vitamin C 16.4mg (18%) Calcium 172mg (17%) Iron 2.9mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 184

% Daily Value*

Calories 184kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 423mg 18%
Potassium 305mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 185IU 4%
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18%
Calcium 172mg 17%
Iron 2.9mg 16%

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