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An overhead shot of a veggie and tofu curry in a skillet.

Quick Vegetable & Tofu Curry

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Description

This recipe can be seen as a guide. I have made many variations of it over the years: 

A few notes:

  • Spices: To keep things simple, I’m using turmeric and Madras curry powder here. You can, of course, make the effort to toast and crush whole spices such as (such as cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds as here) but if you aren’t up for it, the combination of curry powder, turmeric and Thai curry paste will be plenty flavorful. 
  • Curry paste. Maesri is the brand of Thai curry paste I buy at the Asian market. You can buy it online, too: I most often use the green for this recipe, but the red is great, too. Both are spicy. If you are sensitive to heat, start with a tablespoon and adjust the sauce with more at the end.
  • Coconut Milk. I’ve gotten in the habit of ordering it online because I love this brand, and I can’t always find it. Plus it’s cheaper.

Ingredients

  • a 14-oz block of firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for drizzling
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • kosher salt
  • 1 –3 tablespoons red or green Thai curry paste, see notes above
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder, such as Madras
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 13.5 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 large head cauliflower
  • 2 to 4 ounces kale
  • lime for serving, optional
  • rice (without the seasonings) or naan, for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Drain the tofu. If time permits, drain the tofu. This is what I like to do: Remove tofu from its packaging. Place tofu in colander. Place the tub it arrived in on top. (If it didn’t arrive in a tub, simply fold a tea towel around it, and place it in the colander.) Place something heavy, such as 28-oz can plum tomatoes, inside the tub (or on top of the towel). Place colander in sink to drain for 10-15 minutes. See photo above for reference. Heat oven to 425ºF. 
  2. Cut tofu into cubes, roughly 1-inch. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil, season with salt. Toss gently. Spread out. Transfer pan to the oven and cook for about 15 minutes. You’re not trying to get these super crispy, just lightly golden (so they don’t turn to mush in the curry). 
  3. Meanwhile, get going on the curry. In a large skillet over high heat, add the oil, then the onions. Season with a big pinch of salt. Stir. Cover pan and immediately turn heat down to low. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until onions begin to take on some color.
  4. Prep the veg. Cut off tough bottom stem of cauliflower. Remove only the very tough outer leaves. Cut the remaining leaves roughly, and cut the cauliflower into florets. Remove the leaves from the kale stems. Chop the leaves roughly. 
  5. When the onions are ready, open the lid, allowing the water to drip back into the pan. Add the curry paste and spices and cook for a minute or two, or until the onion is evenly coated in the spices, and the spices are beginning to toast.
  6. Add the coconut milk. Fill the empty can with water, and add it to the pan. Fill it again halfway and add to the pan — you need about 2 3/4 cup water. (Note: If you like a brothier curry, add  2 cans full of water (3 cups); if you like a thicker curry, use 2.75 cups water.)  Bring to a simmer. Add the brown sugar and a teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the cauliflower and the tofu and simmer at a good pace — turn the heat up if necessary — for about 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender. Check with a paring knife. (Note: Cauliflower quickly goes from being uncooked/tough to knife tender. Keep in mind the texture of the finished dish ultimately is on the mushy side … there are no crispy elements here. On subsequent days, the texture of the vegetables gets even softer, but I find the flavor gets even better.)
  7. Add the kale, and stir to combine. Taste the broth. Add more salt if necessary. Add a squeeze of lime if necessary, too. (Note: Depending on the size/shape of the pan you are using, the broth may evaporate more (or less) quickly. If you find you need more liquid, simply add water by the quarter cup; if it’s too liquidy, simmer it until it thickens slightly and the flavors concentrate.)
  8. Serve with rice or naan, if you wish. 
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai

Find it online: https://alexandracooks.com/2020/03/13/quick-vegetable-tofu-curry/