Vegan paneer masala
Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Vegan Paneer Masala recipe! Made with tofu as a plant-based alternative to paneer and a rich blend of spices including cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili powder. This dish features creamy coconut milk, cashews, and a touch of heat from jalapeno pepper for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfectly paired with fluffy white rice, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a favorite in your vegan meal rotation. Ready in no time and bursting with bold flavors!
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
16 oz tofu2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp cashew
3 cups canned tomatoes
1 jalapeno pepper
2 tbsp ginger root
3 garlic cloves
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp coriander leaves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp chili powder
2 cups coconut milk
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp coriander leaves
1 cup white rice
2 cups water
2 tbsp cornstarch
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Vegan Paneer Masala, an aromatic and delightful plant-based dish that plays on the classic flavors of traditional paneer masala, substituting tofu for paneer. This dish offers a balanced blend of spices and creamy texture that will surely become a favorite in your vegan recipe collection.
Instructions:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut into cubes.
- Finely chop the ginger root and garlic cloves.
- Dice the jalapeño pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the vegan butter and let it melt.
- Over medium heat, add chopped cashew nuts and toast them until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger, garlic, and jalapeño pepper to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the bay leaf, ground cumin, dried coriander leaves, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken.
- Remove the bay leaf and carefully blend the sauce until it reaches a smooth consistency. Use either an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer it to a blender.
- Return the blended sauce to the pan and pour in the coconut milk.
- Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the browned tofu cubes to the sauce.
- Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pan to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is done and water is absorbed.
- Garnish the Vegan Paneer Masala with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the vegan paneer masala hot, with a side of fluffy white rice.
Tips:
- Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture and achieve a firmer texture.
- Toast the cashews slightly before blending for an enhanced nutty flavor.
- Adjust the number of jalapeno peppers to control the level of heat in your dish.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Serve the Vegan Paneer Masala with warm, fluffy white rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
This Vegan Paneer Masala brings together the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine in a plant-based format, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal. Perfect for any day of the week, this dish is both easy to prepare and a delight to serve.', 'encouragement': 'Experiment with your own variations and feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this wholesome vegan delight!
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 450kcal
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 7g
Fat 33g
More recipes
Red curry fish skewers with greens
Perfectly paired with green salad for a delightful and balanced dinner.
28 May 2025Lemon and asparagus pasta
Ready to elevate your pasta night with a burst of flavor while staying health-conscious? Try this easy-to-follow recipe today.
06 Jun 2025