Tofu Curry with Poppy Seeds and Magaz

Introduction

This delicious and simple Tofu Curry, infused with poppy seeds and magaz, is a perfect vegan dish. It\’s a creamy, crispy tofu gravy that brings the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• White Poppy Seeds: 5-6 tbsp

• Char Magaz (Melon Seeds): 3 tbsp

• Cashew Nuts: 8-10

• Garlic Cloves: 4-5

• Ginger: 4-5 pieces

• Cooking Oil: As needed

• Onions (Sliced): 3 small

• Tomato (Medium-Sized): 1

• Dry Red Chillies: 3

• Tofu: 400 gms

• Cumin (Jeera) Seeds: 1 tbsp

• Fennel (Somph) Seeds: 1 tsp

• Cinnamon (Dalchini) Sticks: 4-5 small pieces

• Turmeric Powder: 2 tsp

• Salt: 1.5 tsp

• Garam Masala: 1.5 tbsp

• Ajinomoto: 1/2 tsp

For Garnishing:

• Chopped Coriander

Method

1. Preparation of Pastes:

   • Soak poppy seeds and magaz in water for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

   • In a grinder, combine soaked seeds, cashew nuts, ginger, garlic, and some water. Grind into a fine paste.

   • Make a paste of dry red chillies with a little water.

   • Fry sliced onions in oil, then grind into a paste.

   • Similarly, fry tomatoes lightly and grind into a purée.

2. Cooking the Tofu:

   • Cut tofu into cubes, if necessary.

   • Fry tofu cubes in oil until golden. Set aside.

3. Making the Curry:

   • Heat oil in a pan. Add cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds. Stir briefly.

   • Mix in fried onion paste and red chilli paste. Stir for a few seconds.

   • Add tomato purée and cook for 1-2 minutes.

   • Stir in turmeric powder, salt, and a little water for desired curry thickness. Add ajinomoto. Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

   • Add fried tofu and cook for an additional minute.

   • Sprinkle with garam masala and give it a quick stir.

4. Final Touches:

   • Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving bowl.

   • Garnish with chopped coriander for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with rice, roti, naan, chapati, or your preferred side dishes. Enjoy this heartwarming and nutritious vegan delight! 😊