Tofu Lentil Curry Recipes

VEGAN RED LENTIL CURRY

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear.
• Heat a large, deep skillet or large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic, ginger, fresh turmeric (if using), and Serrano pepper and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
• Add the cumin, coriander, chili powder, curry powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper to taste, and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, tossing frequently to prevent burning. If using ground turmeric instead of fresh turmeric, add the ground turmeric now, along the the rest of the spices.
• Pour in the vegetable broth, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add in the lentils and the crushed tomatoes and mix well. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through and have mostly softened. If you find that the lentils are not quite soft after 25 minutes, add a few spoons more of broth or water and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk, almond butter, along with salt and pepper to taste Continue cooking on low heat, uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, until the curry has thickened and is creamy.
• Finally, stir in the lemon juice and cilantro, and turn off the heat. If you want your lentils to even creamier and more on the puréed side, use an immersion blender to lightly purée the curry.
• Serve the curry with rice and/or Indian flatbread and garnish with additional cilantro. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

TOFU LENTIL CURRY

Steps:

• Drain tofu, and squeeze water out with your method of choice, being careful not to crumble tofu. Dice tofu and toss with 1 tbsp of curry powder. Set tofu aside and allow it to absorb flavor while prepping vegetables.
• After dicing vegetables, heat oil in the bottom of a stew pot or dutch oven over medium heat and add tofu. Allow tofu to sear until brown for a couple of mins, then turn them and allow the other sides to brown. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and saute until onions are translucent. I like my carrots soft, so I microwave or boil them for a few mins before adding them, but feel free to add them straight in if you like.
• Add coconut milk, the remaining curry powder, cinnamon stick, and water, increase heat to medium high, and stir. While curry is coming to a simmer, rinse lentils well in a colander and add when a simmer is achieved. Simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, or until lentils are cooked soft to the tooth. If your family prefers a thicker consistency, add water/corn starch mixture now and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and add peas. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste, and serve with or without rice. Garnish with crumbled cashews if desired.

RED LENTIL AND TOFU CURRY

Steps:

• Thinly slice onion and mince garlic. Peel gingerroot and mince. In a sieve rinse lentils and drain. In a 2-quart heavy saucepan cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat, stirring, until golden. Add gingerroot and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add lentils and water and gently boil, uncovered, until lentils fall apart, about 20 minutes.
• While lentils are boiling, rinse tofu and trim ends. Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and gently press between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a small heavy skillet heat remaining tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook cumin seeds, stirring, until a shade darker, about 1 minute. Add garam masala, salt, and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 15 to 30 seconds. Stir hot spice oil into lentils and gently stir in tofu cubes. Let curry stand, covered, 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Stir in cilantro and salt to taste.
• Serve curry over rice.