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    Dairy-Free Tofu Saag

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    Pixicook editorial team

    A flavorful and comforting dairy-free saag made with tofu, spinach, and a creamy cauliflower purée.

    Ingredients for Dairy-Free Tofu Saag

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Extra-Firm Tofu, pressed and cubed

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Yellow Miso Paste

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Juice, divided

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Zest, from 2 to 3 lemons

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Vegetable Oil, divided

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Almond, Soy, Rice, Or Cashew Milk

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cauliflower Florets, or peeled sunchokes

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic, finely minced

    cloves

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ginger, peeled and finely minced

    0 knob

    Substitute chevron-down

    Thai Chilies, stemmed and finely minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Coriander Seed

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin Seed

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Turmeric Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cardamom Pod, smashed

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Mature Spinach

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Arugula, tough mustard green stems removed and discarded

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Dairy-Free Tofu Saag

    1. Prepare the Tofu Paneer

    Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the miso mixture until they’re well-coated. Spread the tofu cubes out on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they’re firm and golden-brown.

    2. Prepare the Cauliflower Purée

    In a small saucepan, combine the nut milk and cauliflower florets with a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. Use a hand blender or transfer to a countertop blender to purée the mixture until smooth.

    3. Make the Spinach Mixture

    In a large saucepan or saucier, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chilies, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and the smashed cardamom pod, and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

    4. Cook the Greens

    Gradually add the spinach and arugula or mustard greens, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to wilt down before adding more. Cook the greens for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are wilted and tender.

    5. Combine and Serve

    Stir in the cauliflower purée and the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, and mix well. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of water to adjust the consistency. Finally, add the baked tofu cubes to the saucepan, stirring gently to combine them with the spinach mixture. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.

    Variations

    Chickpea Saag

    Replace tofu with cooked chickpeas to add a different texture and flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.

    Coconut Saag

    Add coconut milk for a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, which can also add to the dairy-free aspect.

    Coconut Milk

    Swap the dairy-free milk with canned coconut milk for a tropical richness.

    Paneer Saag

    If dairy is not a concern, traditional paneer can be used in place of tofu for a more authentic taste.

    Cashew Cream

    Use cashew cream made from soaked, blended cashews to give the saag a rich, buttery texture that mimics the creaminess of dairy.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality of Ingredients

    Use fresh, organic spinach and high-quality firm tofu to ensure robust flavors and the right texture in the final dish.

    Preparation of Tofu

    Press the tofu to remove excess moisture and marinate it in spices like garam masala, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.

    Spice Blooming

    Toast spices in oil to release essential oils and amplify flavors, but avoid burning to prevent bitterness.

    Adjusting Seasonings

    Taste and adjust the seasonings near the end of cooking, adding salt, sugar, or spices as needed.

    Layering Flavors

    Cook onions, ginger, and garlic until golden brown to add depth to the saag through caramelization.


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