Palak Paneer

 Palak paneer is a delicious spinach curry with blocks of cheese called paneer. Unfortunately, most palak paneer dishes are not vegan. This recipe is a vegan version of palak paneer that has just the same amount of deliciousness. Served with garlic naan and basmati rice, it is sure to be a crowd please. 

 

Vegan palak paneer served with basmati rice and garlic naan

1 block super firm tofu 

1 package spinach

1 cup oatmilk

2 tbsp vegan butter (I used Miyoko's)

1 tbsp neutral oil (I use canola)

2 roma tomatoes 

1 onion 

6 cloves garlic 

1 tsp ginger

2 tsp garam masala

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds 

2 tsp turmeric

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Dice your super firm tofu into cubes. Pat dry with a paper towel and place on a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle with oil and place in a 400℉ oven for about 30 minutes.

2. While the tofu bakes, finely grate your ginger and garlic. Then set aside and coaresly chop your onions and tomatoes. They do not have to be diced finely. 

3. In a wok or large pot, add some oil. Then add cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Let them saute until aromatic. Then add garlic and ginger. Let these fry in the oil for about a minutes.

4. Once the garlic and ginger has fried, add the tomatoes and onions. Saute these until the onions become translucent. Then season with a bit of salt and pepper.

5. Once the onion tomato mixture has cooked, turn the heat off and slowly add in a bag of spinach. The residual heat will cook the spinach enough for it to all wilt down. 

6. Transfer the mixture into a large blender and blend until smooth. Once blended, pour back into your cooking vessel. Add oatmilk to the blender to swish around and get all the residual matters on the sides. (Feel free to use an immersion blender if you have one in this step). 

7. Once the mixture has been added to wok or cooking pot, add the rest of the oatmilk if any is still available. Also add butter, salt and pepper. Mix and simmer on low-medium heat. 

8. After approximately 5 minutes, add turmeric and garam masala. Mix well and taste. Adjust any seasoning necessary to fit your preference. 

9. After the curry has been cooked and seasoned to your liking, add the tofu paneer. Bring the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. 

10. Once cooled, serve with a side of aromatic rice and naan. Enjoy!