
Dairy-Free Palak Paneer with Tofu
A dairy-free twist on a classic Indian/Pakistani dish. Tofu stands in for paneer (cheese) in a creamy spinach sauce made with coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu
- 1 lb Spinach
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 teaspoons Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup Tomatoes
- 1 can Coconut Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- to taste Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- 1Place the 1 block Firm Tofu on a clean surface and press firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- 2Wash the 1 lb Spinach thoroughly under cold running water. Set aside.
- 3Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil to the same 10-inch skillet and heat over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 1 medium Onion, finely chopped, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and golden brown. Add the 2 teaspoons Ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4Add the 1 cup Tomatoes, chopped, to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and broken down.
- 5Add the washed 1 lb Spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes until the spinach has wilted down completely.
- 6Carefully transfer the spinach and tomato mixture to a blender. Blend until you have a very smooth puree. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender. Return the smooth puree to the skillet.
- 7Stir the 1 can Coconut Milk into the puree in the skillet. Add the 1 teaspoon Garam Masala, 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder, 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder, and to taste Salt. Stir well to combine.
- 8Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat (300°F / 150°C). Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes and stir.
- 9Gently add the reserved golden brown tofu cubes to the simmering sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the tofu is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce. Serve hot.
Substitutions
Tofu →
Coconut Milk →
Allergy Disclaimer — Safe Plated Pte. Ltd.
This content is AI-generated by Safe Plated and is not medical advice. AI can make errors and may miss allergens or cross-contamination risks. Always read physical ingredient labels and verify allergen safety independently before preparing or consuming any food. Consult your allergist for guidance specific to your situation.
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