PALAK PANEER - VEGANIZED!

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Palak Paneer - Veganized! image

This is the result of combining the best of two great recipes for Palak Paneer (Spinach with Paneer). I wanted to "veganize" a tried and trusted recipe from Madhur Jaffrey's World of the East Vegetarian Cooking....and then I came across a really good looking vegan version on a blog: http://earthvegan.blogspot.com/2008/01/. I felt like the latter version could be improved by using some of the techniques and spices from the other. I have to say, the end result was amazing! Making this dish is simple but there are lots of steps, and lots of dishes to wash up. Hope that doesn't scare you off! You could take care of quite a bit of it the day before. I think at the end of the day the effort is worth it and I hope you will too.

Provided by magpie diner

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

350 g firm tofu (one package, firm or extra...)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice (sub lime if need be)
1 teaspoon canola oil (any light oil or coconut oil)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
sea salt, to taste
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder (note there is some chili powder again in the spinach, so all depending, you might want to omit it he) (optional)
2 tablespoons canola oil (subs ok)
2 bunches fresh spinach (I use a 284 gram pre-washed "tub" of baby spinach)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 medium onion
2 fresh garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or sub 1 fresh green chili)
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon arrowroot (or sub corn starch)
1/4 cup plain soymilk (or sub almond or rice milk, etc)

Steps:

  • Prepare the tofu beforehand by pressing out some of the moisture. The easiest way to do this is to place the block of tofu in a colander, placing a plate on top and then weighing it down with a tin of soup or a heavy skillet. It takes about 1/2 an hour, but you could leave this for however long you need to in the fridge.
  • Cut the pressed tofu into one inch cubes.
  • Combine the next 7 ingredients, (grated ginger, lemon juice, oil, turmeric, garam masala, sea salt and chili powder if using). Toss in the tofu and leave to marinate for about 30 minutes, or longer if need be. Try to turn a couple of times so that the marinade gets evenly distributed.
  • Final step with the tofu is to saute it in about 1 tbsp of the oil. Try to get each side lightly golden. You can use more oil if you want to -- I'm just trying to keep the calories as low as possible. Set aside once done.
  • Next step - the spinach. In a dutch oven or large saute pan, heat up about an inch of water. While that's boiling, chop the spinach roughly and then add to the boiling water, steaming until tender (a matter of a few minutes). Once done, turn off the heat and then drain out about 1/4 cup of the liquid into a measuring cup. Once you've taken that 1/4 cup out, there shouldn't be a whole lot left. Set the 1/4 cup of spinach water aside and then puree what's left in the pot together with the steamed spinach. I like to just use an immersion blender right there in the pot -- or you could move to a blender or something similar. Set the spinach aside (I move mine to a bowl and clean out the same pot).
  • Next step -- putting it together. Using a mini-blender or food processor, combine the onion, ginger, garlic, fresh chili if using, and the 1/4 cup of spinach water - puree into a smooth paste.
  • Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in the paste (watch out, it will splatter) and fry it for about 30 seconds. Then add your other spices and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat and let that cook gently for about 5 minutes, watching it doesn't burn.
  • Add in your pureed spinach and season to taste with salt.
  • Next combine the arrowroot powder with the soy milk in a small dish. Once you've removed the lumps, gently stir it in and let the sauce thicken up for a few more minutes. Lastly, add in the tofu and let it warm through, about 10 more minutes.
  • Done! Serve with rice or naan etc -- garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, or some more diced fresh tomato.

Lauren V
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This dish is a bit spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I'll just use less chili next time.


Christina Antoine
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I love the addition of the lemon juice. It really brightens up the dish.


Shoe Rich
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This is a great recipe for a cold winter night. It's warm and comforting, and it's sure to fill you up.


Raj Motiyani
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I've made this dish several times, and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover tofu.


Shahbaz Ki janu
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This dish is a great source of protein and iron. It's a perfect meal for a vegetarian or vegan.


Nora Islas
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I love that this dish is made with all healthy ingredients. It's a great way to get a healthy meal on the table.


Clam Hany
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This is a great recipe for a beginner cook. It's easy to follow, and the results are delicious.


Mohammed Mulima
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I'm not a huge fan of tofu, but I really enjoyed this dish. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was delicious.


Maxwell Ajibawo
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This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the creamy sauce and the tofu.


Pixel Meg
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I'm always looking for new vegan recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. It's delicious and easy to make.


Edwin Oirere
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This is a great dish for a party or potluck. It's easy to make ahead of time, and it always gets rave reviews.


Srijana Dhakal
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I love the simplicity of this dish. It's made with a few simple ingredients, but it's packed with flavor.


Busiima Elvis
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This is one of my favorite vegan dishes. It's so creamy and flavorful, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.


Renea Oudan
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I'm not vegan, but I really enjoyed this dish. The tofu was so flavorful, and the spinach and spices were a perfect complement.


haider munir
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.


M Junaid Ujjan
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I love how creamy and flavorful this dish is. The tofu is a great source of protein, and the spinach is packed with nutrients.


Md Lejon
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This was my first time making palak paneer, and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow, and the dish was delicious.


Ghayas Ahmed
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I've made this dish a few times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The flavors are so rich and complex, and the tofu is cooked to perfection.


Asif Ch
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This veganized palak paneer was a hit! The tofu was a great substitute for paneer, and the spinach and spices came together perfectly. I will definitely be making this again!


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