Tofu Paneer

Ingredients :

1/4    cup    Corn oil, unrefined
1    cup    Diced onions
2    tbl    Minced garlic
4    tsp    Minced ginger
1 1/2    tsp    Salt
1    tsp    Tumeric
1/8    tsp    Cayenne pepper
2    tsp    Ground coriander
4    tsp    Cilantro
2    tbl    Garam marsala (see recipe below, or use commercial blend)
35    oz    Canned Italian tomatoes
1/2    lb    Firm silken tofu
1 1/2    cup    Green peas (pref. fresh, OR frozen)
GARAM MARSALA
5    x    3″ cinnamon sticks
1    cup    Whole cardamom pods
1/2    cup    Whole cloves
1/2    cup    Whole cumin seeds
1/2    cup    Whole black peppercorns
1/4    cup    Coriander seeds

Method :

* Heat the oil in a saucepan. Saute the onions, garlic, ginger, salt, tumeric, cayenne, coriander, cilantro, and garam marsala for about 5 minutes.
* Drain the juice from the tomatoes into the sauteed vegetables. Then crush the tomatoes by hand and add them to the vegetables. Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and add to the vegetables. Continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat. Then add the peas and cook another 4 minutes. Serve hot over brown rice. A coriander coconut chutney (or other chutney) is an excellent accompaniment.
* GARAM MARSALA: Preheat the oven to 200 F. Place the ingredients on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until the spices give off an aroma. (Some chefs suggest roasting each ingredient separately, since each gives its characteristic aroma at a different time.)
* Separate the cardamom pods from the seeds. Discard the pods. Crush the cinnamon. Combine the cinnamon, cardamom seeds, and other spices until the mixture is powdery. Store in a sealed jar.

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