Vegan Matar Tofu

This Vegan Matar Tofu is a plant-based spin on Matar Paneer(Pea Paneer Curry). It uses crispy pan-fried or baked tofu instead of paneer cheese which is simmered in a flavorful Indian sauce! Serve with flatbread for the ultimate Indian comfort dinner. Soyfree substitute included

This quick vegan Tofu “paneer” and pea curry is my vegan version of paneer pea curry. Matar Paneer(curried pea paneer cheese)  used to be a popular weekend meal. It has its signature spices and flavors and can be made with thicker or thinner sauce.

The sauce is flavored with toasted cumin seeds, some fresh julienne ginger, dried fenugreek leaves and thickened a bit with besan or flour.

In the traditional version fresh or toasted cubes of paneer are added to the sauce. I use baked tofu instead of the paneer cheese. The tofu gets flavored with spices and nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. and along with the peas, it makes for an amazing vegan matar tofu paneer.

The sauce is onion tomato based and usually doesn’t include a creamy component. You can add in some non dairy cream or coconut milk per preference.

More Vegan Tofu curries:

Malaysian Tofu Curry

Baked Tofu Curry (Easy Tofu Makhani)

Asparagus Curry with Spinach & Chickpea-Tofu

Madras Curry Tofu Casserole

Ingredients:

•  firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe – make sure to press it
• we coat the tofu with a mix of nutritional yeast, cornstarch, salt and paprika before baking
• we start the sauce with a flavorful base of cumin seeds and bay leaves
•  onion, chili, and ginger garlic paste are added to the oil for adding flavor
• ground spices: turmeric, ground coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala,
• chickpea flour or regular flour is added for thickening
• this is a tomato-based sauce – use tomato puree and make sure it comes unseasoned
•  peas are a must-addition to this recipe because “Matar” is peas

Tips

• use chickpea tofu or cooked chickpeas for soy-free
• play around with the heat level and add more or less chili according to your personal spice tolerance

How to make Matar Tofu Curry:

Press and cube the tofu if you haven’t already and add it to a bowl. Add the nutritional yeast, cornstarch, salt, and paprika and toss well to coat.

In a skillet heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot add the tofu and panfry until crispy.

You can also bake the tofu instead of frying it, Transfer the tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly, and bake it at 400ºF (205) for 20-25 minutes.

Make the sauce; heat the oil in that same skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the cumin seeds.

When they get golden and fragrant add the bay leaves, onion, green chili, and ginger-garlic, and cook until the onion is golden.

Then add in the ground spices; turmeric, coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, and chickpea flour, and mix in.

Cook until the flour and the spices are a little bit roasted(half a minute). Add in the tomato puree, salt, water, fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and julienned ginger (reserve some of the julienned ginger for garnish)

Let the tomato mixture come to a boil, and mix in the tofu and the peas. continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Take off the heat. Taste and adjust salt and flavor.

Garnish with cilantro and the reserved julienned ginger and serve with some naan, flatbread, or rice.

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container for upto 3 days. Freeze for upto a month