Why is pressing the tofu important for this Tofu Makhani recipe?

Pressing the extra-firm tofu for at least an hour removes excess water, allowing it to absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture when pan-fried.

What gives the Makhani gravy its distinctive rich flavor?

The Makhani gravy gets its rich flavor from a blend of whole spices like cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon, combined with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, cashews, and a generous amount of kasoori methi.

Can I adjust the sweetness in the Tofu Makhani gravy?

Yes, the recipe suggests 2 tsp of grated jaggery or maple syrup for sweetness, which can be adjusted to your preference. Sugar can also be used if jaggery or maple syrup aren't available.

What is kasoori methi and why is it used in this dish?

Kasoori methi refers to dried fenugreek leaves, which are a crucial ingredient in Tofu Makhani. They impart a unique, slightly bitter, and aromatic flavor that is characteristic of makhani dishes.

How should I store leftover Tofu Makhani?

Store leftover Tofu Makhani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

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Tofu Makhani
[Vegan]

VH By: Vaishali Honawar

Author Bio

Vaishali Honawar is a former journalist and the blogger behind Holy Cow! Vegan where she veganizes popular Indian... Read More

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A vibrant bowl of Tofu Makhani, featuring golden-brown tofu cubes in a rich, creamy orange-red tomato-cashew gravy, garnished with fresh green coriander leaves, served with white rice.

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Tofu Makhani [Vegan]

Dairy Free

Here's a master recipe for a gravy you can use to make any kind of "makhani" dish. You can use this gravy with tofu, as I did, or even with meat substitutes and vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. It is fabulous every which way.

Ingredients You Need for Tofu Makhani [Vegan]

For the tofu

1 tsp vegetable oil
1 block extra-firm tofu. Swaddle the block of tofu in a paper napkin or cheesecloth, place it in a sieve, and place a heavy weight, like a pan, on top. Let the tofu stand for an hour at least so most of the water has drained out of it. Then cut it in half down the middle, and halve again crosswise so you have four slices.
1 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/8 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste

For the Makhani gravy

1 tsp oil
3 green cardamom pods
3 cloves
10 peppercorns
1-inch piece of cinnamon
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp coriander powder
1/2 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
2 heaping tbsp kasoori methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
2 tsp grated jaggery or maple syrup (use sugar if you don't have these)
2 cups vegetable stock, or more (use water if you don't have this, but stock will add more flavor)
1/4 cup cashew nuts
1 tbsp vegan "butter"
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh green coriander for garnish

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How to Prepare Tofu Makhani [Vegan]

For the tofu

Mix all the ingredients except the tofu. Now slather the marinade on the slices of tofu you've prepared and set aside for about half an hour.
Smear the oil evenly in a nonstick or cast-iron griddle. When it's hot, place the slices of tofu in the pan without crowding them. Cook until golden-brown on each side, about four minutes per side. Remove to a plate and, when cool, cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Set aside.

For the Makhani gray

Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the cumin seeds, and when they sputter add cardamom, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon. Saute for a minute over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and a little salt and saute until the onions start to brown, about five minutes. Add ginger and garlic pastes, kasoori methi, and cashew nuts and saute for another minute.
Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, powdered coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder.
Saute the mixture until the tomatoes turn really soft and melt into the saucepan. If the mixture starts to get too dry before the tomatoes are done, add some water or vegetable stock and continue cooking.
Once the tomatoes are really soft, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. Pour into a blender and add a cup of vegetable stock. Blend to a smooth paste. (Don't blend the mixture while it's still hot because it can be dangerous. If you have a hand blender, this is the time to use it.)
Pour the blended paste back into the saucepan, turn on the heat, add the remaining vegetable stock if the mixture is thick, and bring to a simmer. Now add the tofu cubes and stir them in. Add salt to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the vegan butter and turn off the heat. Stir to melt the butter into the sauce.
Add the lemon juice and maple syrup, mix well, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve hot with some boiled rice or naan.