Tofu Curry

Tofu curry is a great vegetarian staple.. This easy meal requires quite a few spices, but you may be able to simply your shopping with a multi-purpose spice mix of bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods. These mixes can be found at an Indian market.



Tofu Curry:
1 box extra firm tofu
1 Tbsp oil
1 can diced tomatoes
1/3 bag of peas
1 jalapeno pepper
1/4 medium onion
1 Tbsp ginger + garlic paste (make on your own.. can make large quantities, 1:1 ratio, and freeze for use later. Can even freeze in small ice cube tray to make little pods)
1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
red chili powder (adjust according to preference)
black pepper

Whew, get all that? fortunately the ingredient list is the complicated part. The cooking part is easy. Fry the tofu and set aside (note, tofu fries really well on "high"). In the same large saucepan, brown onion in a little bit of oil. Add the whole spices (cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves). Fry for a minute. Add the ginger garlic paste, fry for a minute. Add the powders (coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili, and black pepper), and then add the can of tomato. Add ~1cup water, let it sim for 10 minutes. When nice and tasty (the longer it sims the better.. I leave mine for a good 1/2 hour), add the tofu and green peas. Garnish with fresh cilantro, optionally. Serve hot with parathas, chapati, naan, or rice.