top of page

Discovering the Magic of Spices: My Favorite Tofu Recipe

  • Jun 10
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 19

A Journey into Flavor


With a background rooted in European and Australian cuisine, I must admit that curries did not come naturally to me. My journey into the world of spices has spanned decades. It's been filled with plenty of mistakes and some unforgettable lessons. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that fresh and simple ingredients yield the best flavors.


Over time, I’ve discovered my favorite spice combinations. It’s perfectly fine to stick to what you love when cooking. Simplicity often leads to the most satisfying experiences in the kitchen.


Tofu: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse


This recipe is my current favorite for flavoring tofu. It’s packed with nutrients, making it a single-dish wonder. Tofu isn't just a meat substitute; it’s a protein powerhouse. When combined with the right spices, it transforms into a delicious and nutritious meal.


What fascinates me the most about spices are their additional health benefits. This dish provides a well-balanced meal, loaded with protein, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. But it gets even better! The spices used here, specifically turmeric, fennel seeds, and mustard seeds, have significant anti-inflammatory properties. They also act as antioxidants.


Additionally, avocado brings its own set of health benefits. Drizzling lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the dish not only enhances its flavor but also helps your body absorb essential nutrients more effectively.


Embracing Fresh Spices


Using whole spices is crucial for maximum flavor. Freshly ground spices often elevate a dish to new heights. If you're short on time, don’t worry! Pre-ground spices work just as well in many cases. A fun tip: if you have whole spices and want to use them right away, you can simply place them in a bag and crush them with a hammer! It’s a little unconventional, but you might enjoy the process.


Cooking Tips for Success


  • Preparation is Key: Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

  • Experiment with Spices: Don't be afraid to try different combinations of spices to find what you love. You might discover a unique flavor that becomes a staple in your cooking.

  • Savor the Cooking Process: Take your time while cooking. Enjoy the aroma of spices as they heat up. Cooking is not just about the final dish, but also about the experience.


The Joy of Cooking


Cooking should be a joyful experience. Whether it's a simple meal or an elaborate feast, embrace each step. Enjoy the chopping, sautéing, and seasoning. The smells and sounds of cooking can be just as rewarding as the finished product.


I encourage everyone to venture into the world of spices. Each spice carries its own story, history, and benefits. They can transform a basic dish into a culinary masterpiece.


Final Thoughts


As you explore different recipes, remember that your favorite combinations will naturally emerge. Whether you're making a simple tofu dish or a complex curry, let your taste guide you. Cooking is an art, and the kitchen is your canvas. Enjoy every moment!


By diving into the world of spices, you'll not only enhance your meals but also improve your overall health. So, don’t hesitate to spice things up in your kitchen!


And remember, the journey to becoming adept at cooking with spices is as important as the delicious results. Happy cooking!

Notes
1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

1

Press tofu between 4 layers of paper towel to remove excess moisture

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

2

Meanwhile, crush all the spices, sugar and salt together. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or placed in a bag and hit with a meat hammer.

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

3

Coat the cubed tofu in the spice mixture

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

4

Heat the oil on low-medium in a large fry pan. Add the coated tofu and stir until fragrant.

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

5

Add the vegetables and skinned chickpeas. Stir to combine and coat in spices.

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

6

Stir in the tomato, coconut milk and bay leaves until combined.

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

7

Cover and leave to simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes or until liquid reduces by half.

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg

8

Serve with steamed basmati rice, a squeeze of lemon, drizzle of oilive oil and avocado (optional)

Instructions

1 Tbs mustard seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 Tbs ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

pinch ground cinnamon

1 tsp pink himalayan salt

pinch coconut sugar (optional)

Spices

500g firm tofu

1 Tbs coconut oil / EVO oil/ ghee

375g can chickpeas drained and skinned

2 x carrots peeled and chopped

1 cup broccoli chopped

1 cup pumpkin or sweet potato chopped

1 large zucchini chopped

1/2 can tomato or 1 tomato diced

375g can coconut milk

2 x bay leaves

avocado to serve (optional)

lemon to serve (optional)

Remaining ingredients
header image
Tofu and Chickpea Curry
Yoga / Pilates Instructor | Nutritionist | Educator
Alis Alexander
women chef with white background (3) (1).jpg
average rating is 5 out of 5

This tofu and chickpea curry is a winter favourite. Packed with nutrients, anti-oxidants and flavour. Freshly ground fennel and mustard seeds combine with ground turmeric to enhance the dish's anti-inflammatory properties.

Servings :

4 Servings

Calories:

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

30 min

Rest Time

0 min

Total Time

40 mins

Comments


bottom of page