Tofu Tikka Masala – a dish that sounds exotic and complicated, right? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s anything but! Imagine biting into succulent, smoky pieces of tofu coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, bursting with fragrant spices. That’s Tofu Tikka Masala for you, and today, we’re going to whip it up together in the comfort of your own kitchen. Trust me, this vegan twist on the classic will have everyone asking for seconds!
Dive into a World of Flavor: Tofu Tikka Masala Ingredients
Before we begin our culinary adventure, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you won’t need to raid a specialty store; most of these are probably already in your pantry!
For the Tofu Marinade:
- 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegan yogurt (I love using coconut yogurt for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed always tastes best!)
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice blend (we’ll talk more about this magical mix later!)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup vegan heavy cream (cashew cream works wonders here!)
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice blend
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (the secret weapon for that authentic flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
The Tools of the Trade:
- A large mixing bowl
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A non-stick skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups