Spicy Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Tofu Stir-Fry
Garam Masala Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Tofu: A Niloufer King-Inspired Meal
Here's a vegetarian main dish that'll tickle your taste buds. This recipe, loosely based on one found in the fifth volume of Canal House Cooking, brings together the culinary talents of Melissa Hamilton, Christopher Hirsheimer, Niloufer King, and, let's throw some extra protein in with some seared tofu!
Before you get started, take care of the prerequisites: prepare your homemade garam masala and steam up some white or brown rice.
This dish found its way to our Vegan Comfort Food slideshow, and if you're craving more rice-based goodness, why not give our dhal recipe a whirl?
- Serves: 4 to 6 hearty helpings
- Difficulty: Casual culinary connoisseur
- Estimated Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Ingredients (20 items worth appetite-stimulating adventures)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped—a small yellow onion should suffice
- Two generous spoonfuls of fresh grated ginger—roughly 2 tablespoons from a 3-inch ginger root
- 2 minced garlic cloves—take two from the bulb, turning them into a smooth paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (check out the primer on homemade garam masala)
- A generous pinch of turmeric
- A subtle kick of cayenne pepper—just ⅛ teaspoon will do
- Sprinkle some kosher salt for seasoning
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
- A can of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed—approximately 1 1/2 cups
- A mighty 1 ⅔ pounds (or 700 grams) of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- All-purpose flour, a half cup should suffice for coating tofu
- One 14-ounce (396-gram) pack of extra-firm tofu, chopped into bite-sized cubes
- A generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- A large handful of cilantro leaves and stems, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, squeezed from one juicy lime
- Optional accompaniments: steamed rice, yogurt, and naan or chapati
Preparation (Steps for a satisfying feast)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet with a snuggly fitting lid over medium-hot heat until it shimmers. Toss in the fennel seeds and cook, stirring briskly, for about a minute, until they're fragrant.
- Add the onion, ginger, and garlic—cook this aromatic mix, stirring frequently and occasionally scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon, until they become a rich, browned hue—this should take roughly 10 minutes.
- Introduce the garam masala, turmeric, cayenne, and a hefty pinch of salt into the skillet, stirring it all in dribbles of water, 1 to 2 tablespoons, until it's aromatic.
- Next, fold in the chickpeas, cauliflower, and the remaining 1/2 cup water—pop a lid on the skillet and cook until the cauliflower is tender, around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tofu for its starring role. Get a second skillet heated with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. As the oil warms, coat the tofu cubes with flour, dusting off any excess, and season with salt and pepper. Brown the tofu on all sides, treading carefully to avoid splattering oil—this should take approximately 9 minutes. Once it's achieved its golden goodness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and shower it with a bit more salt.
- When the cauliflower is tender, gently fold in the tofu, cilantro, and lime juice. Voilà! This dish is ready to be devoured, served with rice, yogurt, naan, or chapati, if desired. Enjoy!
- This dish, inspired by Niloufer King, combines nutrition from various ingredients, such as chickpeas, cauliflower, tofu, and garam masala, making it a perfect addition to a collection of vegetarian recipes.
- For a more complete meal, consider serving the Garam Masala Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Tofu with rice, yogurt, or naan or chapati, enhancing the culinary experience and adding flavorful variety.
- As discussed in the primer on homemade garam masala, understanding the principles and ingredients of this essential Indian spice blend will empower you to experiment with a diverse set of recipes that enrich both your nutrition and enjoyment of cuisine.
