Vegan Paneer Thecha
Spice up your meals with this delicious Vegan Paneer Thecha! This recipe brings together the perfect balance of tofu and a bold chili-garlic paste, creating a plant-based dish that’s packed with flavor and wholesomeness. With aromatic spices and a punch of heat, it’s the perfect addition to your vegan menu, offering a tasty alternative to traditional curry dishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Tofu pressing time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 People
Calories 150 kcal
- Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 green chilies adjust to spice level preference
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- 3 tbsp oil
- For the Tofu:
- 12 to 14 oz block of firm tofu cubed or sliced( You can press if you like)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 cup onion finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup medium finely chopped
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves plus some for garnish
Press Tofu as per your preferred method. This step is optional. Use tofu straight out of package if you like.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan and roast green chilies and garlic cloves until slightly blistered and aromatic.
Dry roast peanuts
Mix roasted chilies and garlic , fresh coriander, roasted peanuts, and salt, and grind to a coarse paste. Set aside. Add as little water as needed. Use a grinder or mortar and pestle. your thecha spice mix is ready. set aside.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Then, add finely chopped tomato and cook until soft and mushy. Stir in tsp turmeric powder and tsp salt, mixing well. Add the prepared thecha paste to the pan and mix with the tomato-onion mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Gently add the tofu cubes, tossing carefully to coat them with the spicy thecha mixture. Let the tofu cook for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
Adjust the spice level to your liking by using fewer chilies. Use fresh, firm tofu for the best results. Roast the garlic and chilies carefully to avoid burning them. Keep the thecha paste slightly chunky for a more authentic texture. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors. *Calories per serving are approximate