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Spicy Tofu and Basil Keema


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  • Author: Shushi Mittal
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Description

Fragrant spices and crumbled tofu create a vibrant, flavorful keema. Serve this plant-powered dish over crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing twist.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1.5 cups (355 ml) medium soft tofu
  • 2 small plum tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 1-inch knobs ginger
  • 4 green chilies
  • 1 red onion
  • 0.5 cups (118 ml) green pepper
  • 0.5 cups (118 ml) red pepper
  • 0.5 cups (118 ml) fresh basil leaves
  • 1 fried bay leaf
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 2 tablespoons coriander powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • 0.5 lemon Juice of
  • Lettuce leaves

Instructions

  1. Blend the tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and ginger to a smooth paste in a mixer. Use very little water if needed.
  2. Heat oil in a non-stick pan.
  3. Add cumin seeds and cook for a few minutes until they splutter.
  4. Stir in the onions and bay leaf with a little salt and cook until the onions brown.
  5. Add the red and green peppers, basil, and dry spices. Mix well and stir for one minute.
  6. Add the crumbled tofu. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in the blended tomato paste, adjust salt, and simmer covered over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Open the cover, turn the heat to high, and cook until excess liquid is absorbed and oil separates or the tofu crisps.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with lemon juice and chopped basil, and cool to room temperature.
  10. Pat dry the lettuce leaves.
  11. Add two generous spoonfuls of the tofu mixture to each lettuce leaf.
  12. Top with basil, chili, nuts, or bhujia.

Notes

  • For extra-crispy tofu, press it to remove excess water before crumbling.
  • If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
  • Store leftover keema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 15