Today I’m bringing you a delicious vegan butter chicken recipe, made using tofu! Certainly, this recipe is as comforting as they come. It’s made by simmering baked tofu in a creamy vegan butter chicken sauce until smooth and thick. Spread onto a bed of rice, or served with naan, and garnished with cilantro. What more could we ask for!?
All-in-all this vegan butter chicken recipe is warm and comforting, mildly spiced (as a butter chicken recipe should be), smooth, creamy and buttery.
Ingredients
For the tofu16 oz extra-firm tofu (450g)
2 tbsp neutral oil avocado oil or coconut oil (melted)
2 tbsp corn starch or arrowroot powder
1 tsp sea salt finely ground
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
For the sauce1 yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 tbsp neutral oil avocado oil or coconut oil
1 can diced tomatoes 28 fl oz/795 ml
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sea salt
1 can coconut milk (14 fl oz/400 ml)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper flakes
1 tbsp maple syrup
Method* Preheat oven to 400F/200C. Drain extra firm tofu and rinse well. Press tofu by wrapping in a clean tea towel and placing a few heavy books on top. Use your backsplash to secure books in place. Press for 10 minutes. Then unwrap tofu and cut into bite-sized cubes.
* In a mixing bowl combine tofu, oil, corn starch, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
* Line a baking tray with parchment and transfer tofu cubes onto tray spreading out so there aren't any clumps. Bake for 20-25 mins, or until golden and crispy.
* Meanwhile add diced onions, garlic and neutral oil to a deep skillet. Bring to medium heat and cook until onion turns transluscent (about 10 mins).
* Pour diced tomatoes, tomato paste and freshly grated ginger. Then season with garam masala, chili powder, curry powder, cumin, and sea salt.
* Add coconut milk and baked tofu and bring to a low simmer. Finally, add cayenne pepper flakes for heat, and maple syrup for sweetness.
* Scoop vegan butter chicken over cooked rice, or serve with naan bread. Sprinkle with fresh coriander.