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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
serves
6 peoplechevron

Extra-Firm Tofu, pressed and cubed

0 oz

Yellow Miso Paste

tablespoons

Lemon Juice, divided

tablespoons

Lemon Zest, from 2 to 3 lemons

tablespoons

Vegetable Oil, divided

tablespoons

Kosher Salt

to taste

Cauliflower Florets, or peeled sunchokes

0 oz

Garlic, finely minced

cloves

Ginger, peeled and finely minced

0 knob

Thai Chilies, stemmed and finely minced

each

Ground Coriander Seed

teaspoons

Ground Cumin Seed

teaspoons

Turmeric Powder

teaspoons

Cardamom Pod, smashed

each

Arugula, tough mustard green stems removed and discarded

0 oz

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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