Tofu Amritsari Masala. This Amritsari Sauce uses toasted cayenne and spices to make a smoky spicy creamy tomato sauce. Add chickpeas, veggies or veggie meats for variation. Vegan Glutenfree Recipe. Can be Soyfree, Nutfree. Jump to Recipe
Amritsar is a town in the state of Punjab and the cuisine from this city has certain twists to the usual sauces and dishes. This Amritsari sauce which is often served with chikin is a fabulous base for veggies, tofu or chickpeas. The sauce is a creamy onion tomato sauce like the makhani sauce. The spicing is a bit different.
Cayenne and paprika (or kashmiri chili) is roasted/fried well in the beginning(there might be sneezing!), then cumin and coriander and mixed and roasted. The temperature of the pan and oil matter here so that the spices dont burn, but do roast well. Then the onion, garlic and ginger is added and cooked to golden with the smoked spices. A Blended tomato cashew sauce is then added and simmered to make a creamy smoky spicy sauce! Add the baked tofu or some chickpeas or roasted veggies and simmer for a few mins.
This sauce can easily get pretty hot. So use less heat (cayenne, smoked paprika and sub the hot green chile with mild or bell pepper) to preference. If you fry the cayenne in hotter oil, it will also burn out some of the heat. Lets get sneezing!
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The spices fried in hot oil is what gives the dish its distinctive flavor. If omitting oil, you want to carefully toast the spices on a dry hot skillet and then add some broth and onion and continue to cook.
Tofu gets marinated in ginger garlic cayenne lemon cornstarch marinade and then baked. Use the same marinade for veggies if using. Or cook the chickpeas or chickpea tofu with it before adding to the sauce.
You can also add the marinade ingredients minus cornstarch to the onion mixture and cook for a minute before adding the tomato puree. Then add veggies or chickpeas with cashew milk and simmer until tender.
Tofu Amritsari Masala – Spicy Smoky Creamy Tomato Sauce
Tofu Amritsari Masala. This Amritsari Sauce uses toasted cayenne and spices with a creamy tomato sauce. Add chickpeas, veggies or veggie meats for variation. Vegan Glutenfree Recipe. Can be Soyfree, Nutfree.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Gluten-free, Indian, Vegan
Keyword: chickpean amritsari, tofu amritsari
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 199 kcal
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Ingredients
Baked Tofu:
- 14 oz firm tofu pressed for 15 mins then cubed
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tsp apple cider or white vinegar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/3 tsp cayenne or use paprika for less heat
- 1 tsp oil or spray some later , omit for oilfree
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce:
- 2 tsp oil , see note for oilfree
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne or use scant 1/4 tsp for less heat
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder, use regular sweet paprika for less heat
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 green chili , chopped (use 1/4 cup bell pepper for less heat)
- 3 large tomatoes pureed , or 15 oz can diced with juices
- 1/4 cup water to rinse out the blender
- 1/4 cup cashews blended with 1 cup water (see note for nutfree)
- 1/2 tsp salt , less or more to preference
- 1 tsp sugar or sweetener
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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.
Spread the cubes on parchment lined sheet. Bake at 400 deg F (205 C) for 20- 25 mins.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot (not smoking) add the cayenne and paprika and cook for a few seconds.
Add cumin and coriander and cook for a few seconds. it should be bubbly and you should smell or sneeze the spices.
Add ginger, onion, chili and mix in. Add a good pinch of salt. Cook for a minute 2 until the chili is golden
Add the pureed tomato, salt, and sugar and mix in. Cook until the tomato puree thickens.
Add cashew milk and bring to a just about a boil. Add the baked tofu and mix in. Simmer for 6 to 8 mins to thicken and for the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust salt and sweet. Remove from heat. Let it sit for another few mins for flavors to meld. Garnish with cilantro and chili.
The sauce thickens as it sits. Add 1/2 cup of water or non-dairy milk if needed when reheating. Serve with flatbread or rice or add to a bowl.
Recipe Notes
Nutfree: Use 1 cup full fat coconut milk or other thick non dairy milk, or a mix of non dairy cream and milk. You can also use other nuts such as macadamia and seeds such as pumpkin seeds.
Oilfree: The spices getting fried in oil is what gives the dish its distinctive flavor. If omitting oil, you want to carefully toast the spices on a dry hot skillet and then add some broth and onion and continue to cook.
Soyfree: Use chickpeas or roasted veggies or chickpea tofu. Mix the chickpeas in the marinade under Baked Tofu and cook for a few mins before adding tothe simmering sauce. Add the marinade to veggies such as cauliflower, potato and bake.
Nutrition is for 1 serve
Nutrition Facts
Tofu Amritsari Masala – Spicy Smoky Creamy Tomato Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 604mg 25%
Potassium 358mg 10%
Total Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 11g 22%
Vitamin A 21.1%
Vitamin C 30%
Calcium 16.4%
Iron 17.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.