Dairy-Free Paneer Sabzi

Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of Dairy-Free Paneer Sabzi, a plant-based twist on a beloved Indian classic. This flavorful dish swaps traditional paneer with golden-browned tofu cubes, delivering a creamy texture without any dairy. Infused with a medley of warm spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin, and brightened by vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and green peas, this recipe perfectly balances heat, tang, and earthiness. With a hearty tomato-based curry as its base, this tofu sabzi pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm Indian breads like roti and naan. Ready in under an hour, this vegan-friendly, gluten-free recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, nutritious meal packed with bold, authentic flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 200 ml tomato puree
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 100 grams frozen green peas, thawed
• 100 ml water
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture: wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on it for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizes for consistent cooking.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and deepen in flavor.

Step 8

Add turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine, cooking the spices for 2 minutes.

Step 9

Toss in the red bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 10

Add the thawed green peas and cooked tofu cubes back into the pan, combining everything gently.

Step 11

Pour in 100 ml of water to create a sauce, stirring gently. Cover and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.

Step 12

Adjust salt and spices if necessary, according to taste.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Step 14

Serve the Dairy-Free Paneer Sabzi hot with basmati rice or Indian breads like roti or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1096.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	963.9

Total Fat 61.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2516.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 30.5g
Protein 56.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 802.0mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 2375.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 26.3%