Craving the rich, creamy goodness of Palak Paneer but watching your calorie intake? This recipe delivers the vibrant flavors of classic Palak Paneer without the heavy cream and paneer cheese, substituting instead with firm tofu for a surprisingly satisfying and healthy alternative. This lighter version retains the earthy spinach base and aromatic spices you love, creating a delicious and guilt-free Indian dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a healthy, flavorful addition to your diet. We've swapped out traditional paneer for tofu, significantly reducing the fat and calories without compromising on texture or taste.
This recipe is designed to be both delicious and easily achievable, even for beginner cooks. Ready to experience the vibrant flavors of a healthier Palak Paneer? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Blender
Ingredients
- Spinach: A couple of handfuls
- Onion
- Tomato
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green Chili: Optional
- Cashews: A few
- Cumin seeds
- Chili powder: 1 1/2 tsp + 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric: 1/2 tsp + 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt
- Tofu
- Oil
- Water: 1/2 cup + as needed
- Sugar: 1/4 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Tofu
- Drain and cut tofu into chunks. Roughly chop vegetables.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Create the Curry Base
- Add oil to the pan, then onions, green chili (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook until onions are transparent.
- The video shows burnt onions which are scraped off and replaced).
- Add tomatoes and ground spices (coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder). Add cashews and cook until tomatoes are soft. Add water if needed.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- Blend the curry base in short bursts (20 seconds each) in a blender, venting hot air between bursts, until smooth.
Step 3. Cook the Curry and Add Tofu
- Add oil to the pan, and cumin seeds. Add the blended curry base and 1/2 cup of water.
- Add chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt to taste. Top with fried tofu cubes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with rice or chapati.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Don't overcook the spinach to avoid bitterness and loss of color.
- If you burn food on a stainless steel pan, add water to the hot pan and scrape away the burnt bits.
- The fried tofu can be used as meal prep for other dishes.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?
Silken tofu is too soft and will likely crumble during cooking. Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe to maintain its shape and texture.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure you use a vegan-friendly vegetable broth and check that any other spices or ingredients you add are also vegan-friendly.
This healthy Palak Tofu recipe proves that delicious and nutritious can coexist. Enjoy this flavorful, low-calorie twist on a classic Indian dish, guilt-free and satisfying. Now go ahead and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!