• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Honey, Whats Cooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • Lifestyle
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipe » Diet » Dairy-Free » Tofu Palak (Tofu and Sauteed Spinach)

    Posted on: Mar 2, 2011 · Modified: Feb 12, 2022 by honeywhatscooking · 13 Comments

    Tofu Palak (Tofu and Sauteed Spinach)

    0 shares
     

    It's been a while since I last made tofu... here is a recipe my mom often makes.  I love the combination of spinach and tofu since they are both healthy.  This is a simple recipe that uses garlic, green chilies, and onion as the base sauteed with fresh spinach.  My mom typically does not add any sort of sour cream or cream at the end, however for this recipe I added 2 tablespoons of half & half, which isn't terrible.  


    My guinea pig for this recipe was my husband since he "hates" tofu, this way it would be a challenge to see if he truly liked the dish.  I'm not sure why people aren't fond of tofu, in my opinion if you spice it up nicely it will taste really good.  Anyway, when my husband returned home from work I mentioned there was tofu in this dish and he should give it a try.  He didn't make a face and tried it with an open mind and surprisingly he really enjoyed it.  Either he's been living with me too long and has become more health conscious or he just loves anything I make.  Hmmm, I'd like to think it's the latter.  Hope you like it.

    TELL ME: Do you like tofu?  If so, how do you cook it?

    NUTRITION: Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Tofu is an excellent source of Protein for vegetarians. It is also rich in Calcium and Iron.

    INGREDIENTS:

    For the tofu:

    • Tofu - 14 ounce package (preferably firm, cubed)
    • Olive Oil - ¾ tbsp

    For the saute:

    • Olive Oil - 1 tbsp
    • Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
    • Turmeric Powder - ½ tsp
    • Garlic - 3 cloves (chopped)
    • Green Chilies - 2 (chopped)
    • Red Onions - 2 small (chopped)
    • Fresh Spinach Leaves - 2 bunches (chopped)
    • Red Chili Powder - ½ tsp
    • Coriander Powder - 2 ½ tsp
    • Garam Masala - 1 ¼ tsp 
    • salt to taste
    • Half & Half - 2 tablespoon (optional)... or you can use Light Sour Cream or Light Cream

    DIRECTIONS:
    1. Here is the tofu package.

    2. Start by cutting small cubes as follows:

    3. Heat a pan on medium-high heat.  Once hot, add ¾ tablespoon of Olive Oil.  Add cubed tofu.  Let this saute for about 5-7 minutes.  Stir occassionally.

    4. Chop the garlic and green chilies.  I used my Magic Bullet.

    5. Chop the red onions.

    6. Check on the tofu.  Season with salt.  Stir and let it go for another 5 minutes.  

    7. Heat a pot on medium heat, once hot, add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder. 

    8. Once they sizzle, add the garlic, green chilies, and onions.  Season with salt.  Saute for about 5 minutes.

    9. In the meantime, wash your spinach and chop.  

    10. Check on your tofu.  You don't want the tofu to be too crispy.  Turn off the stove.  Set aside.  

    11. Check on the onions, this is what you should have.  

    12. Add the spinach.  

    13. Add salt, red chili powder, and coriander powder.  

    14. Gently stir until the spinach wilts down, about 2 minutes. 

    15. Allow the spinach to cook for 5 minutes.  

    16. After 5 minutes, this is what you should have.

    17. Add the tofu and gently combine.  Season with salt IF YOU NEED TO.

    18. Cover and allow this to simmer for 5 more minutes.

    19. Add garam masala.  Gently combine.  Turn off the stove.

    20. Add 2 tablespoon of half & half, optional.

    21. Wait 15 minutes before serving.  Serve with brown rice or roti.  Should be tasty, let me know!

    TELL ME: Do you like tofu?  If so, how do you cook it?

     

    « Havana Alma De Cuba | New York City (closed)
    Veggie Scampi | Mushrooms & Broccoli in a Garlic Butter Wine Sauce »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam says

      March 04, 2011 at 4:25 pm

      I love the flavors and textures of this dish.

      Reply
    2. Jey says

      March 04, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      This looks really tasty! I love that it is healthy and simple to prepare.

      Reply
    3. Cooking Gallery says

      March 04, 2011 at 7:52 pm

      This sounds like a great recipe! Yum!

      Reply
    4. Mary says

      March 04, 2011 at 11:51 pm

      This looks delicious and the textures of this dish are hard to beat. I'm new to your blog and have spent some time browsing through your earlier entries. I'm so glad I did. I really like the food and recipes you feature here. I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

      Reply
    5. sweetpeaskitchen.com says

      March 05, 2011 at 12:47 am

      This looks delicious! I like to add tofu to vegetable stir fry...mmmm...sooo good! 🙂

      Reply
    6. honeywhatscooking says

      March 06, 2011 at 7:44 pm

      @Mary - I am a big fan of your work too, your site has wonderful pictures and some of the best recipes. Thank you!

      Thanks everyone.

      Reply
    7. Jo Brown says

      June 30, 2011 at 11:27 am

      Hi,

      I loved the theme you used for your blog. not only that, you give great recipes.

      for this dish, i love the flavor and just makes me eat non-stop

      Reply
    8. Jeel says

      March 30, 2012 at 3:30 pm

      This looks great. Before you cook the tofu, do you drain the water out? I find that tofu is a little softer if you don't drain it..

      Reply
    9. honeywhatscooking says

      March 30, 2012 at 3:55 pm

      @Jeel - Yes, I do drain the water out. Then I cube it. Sauteing it as mentioned above helps firm up the tofu so it doesn't lose it's shape and texture. Hope this helps.

      Reply
    10. Kirsten says

      December 13, 2014 at 9:49 am

      I really have to try some of your recipes! They are looking so tasty!
      Greetings from Germany
      Kirsten

      Reply
    11. Mani says

      December 04, 2019 at 3:18 am

      I love tofu but can never find flavourful ways to make it. This recipe did it. Thank you Mrs Honey.?

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        December 08, 2019 at 4:14 am

        So glad to hear that.

        Reply
    12. Shirali says

      July 14, 2020 at 12:49 am

      Tried this and it turned out so good. I skipped the half and half but made a wrap out of it with yoghurt and mint chutney! Thanks for sharing 😌

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nisha... a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the line, I inspire you to eat better.

    Learn more about me →


    Trending Posts

    • Baked Falafel (healthy, dairy free)
    • World's BEST Spaghetti RAO’s Homemade Marinara
    • Green Moong Dal Khichdi (healthy)
    • Chicken Seekh Kebab (dairy-free, gluten-free)
    • Masoor Dal Instant Pot (Red Lentils Dal)
    • Rava Uttapam (vegetarian)
    • Chocolate Depression Cake with Mocha Buttercream (eggless, gluten-free)
    • Bombay Grilled Sandwich (vegetarian)

    Subscribe

    * indicates required

    Footer

    As Seen On

    Let's Connect!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Menu

    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • Lifestyle
    • Shop

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy

    Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Honey, What's Cooking

    0 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Reddit
    • Yummly