Tofu Makhani (Indian Butter Tofu)

Ricardo
Ricardo @tallcook
Manhattan, New York, United States

I invited my vegetarian friend Brian over for dinner and this was the first dish that came up in my search. It is a vegetarian variation developed by food writer Sarah Copeland of the Indian classic “murgh makhani”(butter chicken).

#vegetarian #tofu #turmeric #ginger #cinnamon #coconut #cilantro #lemon #cumin #Indian #dinner #meal

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Ingredients

1 hour
4 to 6 servings
  1. 3 tablespoonslemon juice
  2. 1 tablespoonground cumin
  3. 5 teaspoonsground turmeric
  4. 2 (14 ounce)packages extra firm tofu
  5. 8 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  6. 2onions, chopped
  7. 1 teaspoonchili powder (or cayenne, if you like it spicy)
  8. 2 tablespoonsminced fresh ginger
  9. 4 clovesgarlic, minced
  10. 1 (28 ounce)can whole peeled tomatoes, gently crushed with hands
  11. 1cinnamon stick
  12. 1 teaspoonpaprika
  13. 1 1/2 teaspoonssea salt
  14. 1 1/2 cup (400 ml)coconut milk or heavy cream
  15. Scallions, thinly sliced, for serving
  16. Clantro, coarsely chopped, for serving
  17. Accompaniments: basmati rice, naan, yogurt, or quartered cucumbers

Cooking Instructions

1 hour
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk the lemon juice, cumin and 4 teaspoons turmeric with 1 tablespoon water to make a thin paste. Drain and pat the tofu dry, then cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. Add it to the turmeric marinade, gently stirring to coat. Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the remaining ingredients, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

  2. 2

    In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and chili powder, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat, add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are starting to brown, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the tomatoes and their juices. Add the cinnamon stick, paprika and sea salt along with the remaining 1 teaspoon turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes and onions break down and the sauce is the consistency of a thick ragù, about 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick.

  4. 4

    Blend with an immersion blender and purée until smooth. Gently stir in the coconut milk and the tofu and its marinade. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, until the tofu has taken on the color of the sauce and is flavored all the way through, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally but gently, so the tofu doesn’t fall apart.

  5. 5

    Serve with a sprinkle of scallions and cilantro, with warm naan, rice, yogurt and/or cucumbers.

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Written by

Ricardo
Ricardo @tallcook
on
Manhattan, New York, United States
My mother was a very good home cook, which made me appreciate homemade food to this day.
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