Picture a cozy evening at home, the scent of warm spices filling the air, and a delicious dish simmering on the stove. This Vegan Butter Chicken Butter Tofu recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting and flavorful meal without any animal products. This vegan twist on a classic Indian dish combines rich and creamy butter tofu with a fragrant tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
**Vegan Butter Chicken Butter Tofu Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/2 cup cashew cream (blend 1/2 cup cashews with 1/2 cup water until smooth)
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tbsp vegan butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Cooked rice or naan, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cooking for about a minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato paste to the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
5. Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the cashew cream and water until well combined.
6. Add the cooked tofu back to the pan and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tofu absorbs the flavors. Add vegan butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Vegan Butter Chicken Butter Tofu over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
This Vegan Butter Chicken Butter Tofu recipe is a wonderful introduction to the world of plant-based cooking. It brings together the richness of traditional butter chicken flavors with the goodness of tofu, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal for any night of the week. Enjoy the aromatic spices and creamy texture of this dish as you savor each bite with your loved ones.
