Vegan Tofu Masala

Source: veganricha.com 

Ingredients

Baked Tofu: (prepare yourself or buy pre-baked)

• 21 oz. tofu, pressed & cubed
• 3 tsp minced ginger
• 6 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 1/2 tsp apple cider or white vinegar
• 3 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp  ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne or use paprika for less heat
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 1/2 TB cornstarch

Sauce:

• 4 tsp oil 
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne (use less for for less heat)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 green chiles (or jalapenos), chopped (use 1/2 cup bell pepper for less heat)
• 30 oz can diced tomatoes 
• 2/3 cup cashews
• 1 tsp salt , less or more to preference
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• cilantro for garnish
• 3 cups brown rice, to serve with (optional)

Instructions

1. Place cashews in a bowl; add boiling water, cover & let sit.
2. If using, place rice & 6 cups water in saucepan; bring to boil, reduce heat, cover & simmer 45 minutes.
3. Blend the ginger garlic vinegar and lemon, or mince and combine in a bowl. Add to the cubed tofu. Add the spices, salt and oil and mix in. Add cornstarch and toss lightly to coat.
4. Spread the cubes on parchment lined sheet. Bake at 400 deg F for 20- 25 mins.
5. In food processor, place tomatoes, soaked cashews (undrained), salt & maple syrup. Puree until smooth.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot (not smoking) add the cayenne and paprika and cook for a few seconds.
7. Add cumin and coriander and cook for a few seconds. it should be bubbly and you should smell or sneeze the spices.
8. Add ginger, onion, chiles and mix in. Add a good pinch of salt. Cook for a minute 2 until the chili is golden
9. Add the pureed tomato mixture and stir. Cook until the tomato puree thickens.
10. Add the baked tofu and mix in. Simmer for 6 to 8 mins to thicken and for the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more water if necessary. Remove from heat. Let it sit for another few mins for flavors to meld. Garnish with cilantro.
11. The sauce thickens as it sits. Add 1/2 cup of water if needed when reheating. Serve with flatbread or rice or add to a bowl.