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Braised Tofu and Peas in Curried Coconut Milk

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Makes 4 to 6 servings 1x

Time About 30 minutes

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 large onions, quartered
  • 1 28- or 35-ounce can tomatoes, with their juice
  • 2 tablespoons good-quality vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala or curry powder, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds firm or extra-firm tofu, prepared by any of the methods above or blotted dry, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups peas (frozen are fine; thaw in cold water and drain)
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the onions and tomatoes in a food processor and purée; depending on the size of your machine, you may have to do this in 2 batches. Put the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the onion-tomato purée along with some salt and pepper and the garam masala. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes saucelike, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add the tofu and peas and cook for about 5 minutes, until the tofu swells slightly and the peas are tender. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to just about a boil, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

— Recipe from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Recipe variations

REALLY SPICY TOFU AND PEAS IN COCONUT MILK Add 5 or more peeled cloves garlic and 1 or more  seeded fresh chiles (like jalapeño or Thai) to the food processor with the onions and tomatoes. Add 1 tablespoon or more lime juice just before serving.

CREAMY TOFU, PEAS, AND RICE IN COCONUT MILK In Step 1, before you add the onion-tomato mixture to the hot oil, stir in 1 cup any short-grain white rice. Cook and stir until toasted and fragrant, then add the onion-tomato purée, tofu, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes. In Step 2, put the peas on top of the rice mixture, cover again, and remove from the heat. After 5 minutes, stir the peas into the rice along with the cilantro. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve.