Shahi Tofu
A luxurious, creamy curry made with soft tofu simmered in a rich sauce of cashews, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This vegan take on the classic Shahi Paneer is a true royal treat, perfect for special occasions.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Pan-Fry the Tofu
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide, non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the pressed and cubed tofu in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning the cubes every 2 minutes, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
- e.Remove the tofu from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium flame.
- c.Add the whole spices: green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they turn soft and translucent.
- e.Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until its raw aroma disappears.
- f.Add the chopped tomatoes, drained soaked cashews, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- g.Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become soft and pulpy.
- h.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely for about 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Blend and Strain the Gravy
- b.Transfer the cooled onion-tomato mixture to a high-speed blender. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves if you prefer a milder spice flavor.
- c.Add 1/2 cup of water and blend for 2-3 minutes until you achieve a completely smooth, velvety paste.
- d.For a truly 'shahi' (royal) texture, place a fine-mesh sieve over the pan and strain the blended paste, using a spatula to press all the liquid through. Discard any fibrous solids left in the sieve.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook and Finish the Curry
- b.Place the pan with the strained gravy back on the stove over medium-low heat.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the paste thickens and you see oil shimmering on the surface.
- d.Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of water (or more for a thinner consistency), the remaining salt, and the sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- e.Add the pan-fried tofu cubes and garam masala. Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it in. Stir gently to coat the tofu.
- f.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the coconut cream. Let it simmer very gently for just 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
- g.Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is non-negotiable. It removes excess water, allowing the tofu to get crispy when fried and absorb the gravy's flavor.
- 2For the creamiest gravy, use ripe, red tomatoes and soak the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
- 3Straining the blended paste is the secret to a silky, restaurant-quality Shahi gravy. Don't skip this step!
- 4Always add cream or coconut cream on low heat at the end of cooking and avoid boiling it to prevent the gravy from splitting.
- 5If the gravy tastes too tangy, a pinch more sugar or a teaspoon of maple syrup can balance the flavors perfectly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-Free
Replace cashews with an equal amount of soaked melon seeds (magaz) or sunflower seeds for a creamy, nut-free base.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For an even more decadent curry, add a tablespoon of vegan butter along with the oil or swirl in an extra 2 tablespoons of coconut cream just before serving.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions to infuse a gentle heat into the gravy.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate lightly steamed green peas or bell pepper strips along with the tofu for added texture and nutrition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
This dish contains monounsaturated fats from cashews and oil, which are known to help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and support a healthy heart.
Rich in Beneficial Antioxidants
Ingredients like tomatoes (rich in lycopene), ginger, garlic, and turmeric are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage from free radicals.
Aids in Digestion
The aromatic spices used in the gravy, such as coriander, cloves, and cinnamon, are traditionally known to aid digestion and improve gut health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Shahi Tofu contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the fat content of the coconut cream used. It's a rich dish best enjoyed in moderation.