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Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer

This recipe is a vegan version of the Indian spinach curry, Palak Paneer, that uses tofu instead of the typical Indian cheese ‘paneer’: Palak Tofu. It’s rich, creamy and delicious!

Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer with basmati rice and naan


Palak Paneer was always my #1 choice in Indian restaurants (before I went vegan, obviously). It’s a creamy spinach curry (Palak) with the traditional Indian cheese (Paneer).

To make this dish vegan, we’re using tofu instead of paneer. Firm tofu is actually consistency-wise very similar to paneer, so it’s the perfect substitution! We’re adding kala namak (Himalayan Black Salt) to the tofu to give it a similar taste. Delicious!

For this dish, we’re going to use a LOT of spinach, which is rich in iron and calcium. The Palak Tofu Paneer uses 4 large handfuls of spinach, so I’d say this dish is the most delicious way of getting an iron boost.

Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer with basmati rice and naan

How to make Vegan Palak Tofu

The ingredients

You will need: 

  • firm tofu
  • lots (!) of spinach
  • coconut milk
  • tomato
  • oil
  • spices
    • kala namak (black salt; can be subbed with regular salt but use less of it)
    • curry powder
    • ginger powder
    • garam masala
    • salt

The basic steps

tofu in pan
Step 1: Cut the tofu into cubes. Cook the tofu cubes in a large pan with oil, add kala namak and curry powder, until they are crispy, then set them aside.
spinach in pan
Step 2: Cook all the spinach until it’s wilted.
wilted spinach in pan
Step 3: You might have to work in 2 batches because we’re using a lot of spinach.
wilted spinach, coconut milk and spices in pan
Step 4: Reduce heat. Add the coconut milk, ginger powder, salt, and garam masala.
mixing spinach and coconut milk
Step 5: Use a handheld blender to blend the spinach curry. 
spinach curry and tomato
Step 6: Add one chopped tomato to the curry. Let it cook until it’s hot and until the tomato is soft.
golden tofu and spinach curry
Step 7: Now let’s combine the cubed tofu with the spinach curry.
Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer in pan
Step 8: A quick stir and it’s ready to serve!
Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer with basmati rice and naan

Serve the Palak Tofu with …

I’ve had this Palak Tofu with homemade naan and fluffy basmati rice. What a feast!

More vegan curry recipes you will love

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I hope you will enjoy this vegan Palak Tofu Paneer Curry as much as I did! Let me know if you give it a try!

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Cheers, Bianca

Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer with basmati rice and naan

Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer

Bianca Haun | Elephantastic Vegan
This is a vegan version of the indian spinach curry “Palak Paneer”. It uses tofu instead of the traditional indian cheese. The spinach curry is creamy & delicious and rich in iron!
4.75 from 20 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Fusion, Indian, Vegan
Servings 2 people
Calories 437 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Tofu 'Paneer'

  • 12 oz firm tofu
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil (or any other neutral plant-based oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon kala namak

Spinach Curry

  • 4 large handfuls spinach fresh
  • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 tomato diced

Instructions
 

  • Cut the tofu in cubes. Bring a large pan to high heat, add the oil, cubed tofu, curry powder, and kala namak. Give it a stir. Let it cook until the tofu is golden and with slightly crispy edges. Set aside the tofu in a bowl.
  • In the same large pan, add the spinach and cook it until it wilted (you might have to work in 2 batches because it's a lot of spinach). Then reduce the heat and add the coconut milk, ginger powder, salt, and garam masala.
  • Use a handheld blender to blend the spinach curry.
  • Add the chopped tomato to the curry and let it cook (bring up the heat again) for another 3-4 minutes until hot and until the tomatoes are soft.
  • Then add the tofu paneer to the spinach curry, give it a quick stir, and it's ready to serve! Basmati rice and homemade naan are THE perfect side dishes!

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 20gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 23gSodium: 2107mgPotassium: 729mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 6138IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 299mgIron: 8mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @elephantasticvegan or tag #elephantasticvegan!
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Recipe Rating




Lisa

Thursday 7th of December 2023

My husband and I made this as written. We found it incredibly salty. I would make it again but add salt to taste in the curry sauce rather than the 3/4 tsp in the recipe ingredient listing.

MaryB

Friday 23rd of April 2021

Looks delicious! Want to try this. Would it be possible to bake the tofu (without oil) and then add to the dish? Thank you.

Bianca

Wednesday 28th of April 2021

Sure, absolutely you can do that! :)

Sarah

Tuesday 2nd of February 2021

Is there any alternative to the coconut milk? I assume the fat is important, but I've been trying to mostly eliminate saturated fat due to cancer. 🥴

Bianca

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

Hi Sarah, another alternative would be to make your own cashew cream. I have been using the cashew cream instead of coconut milk lately (also this palak tofu) and it's an excellent alternative. But I don't know if the fat from the cashews is better suited for your diet. Cheers! :)

lisa

Monday 23rd of September 2019

How wonderful.... I'm sure my family and friends will love it. Thank you very much

Thomas

Saturday 4th of May 2019

Tastes really good, thanks!