Vibrant Green Coconut Curry with Tofu
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Note: For the best flavor and quality, ensure all ingredients are organic.
For the Green Paste:
1 lime (green peel/zest)
1-2 green chilies (to taste)
1 stalk lemongrass (tender white part, roughly chopped)
1 cup fresh kale
1 cup fresh spinach
1 sprig fresh rosemary
½ inch galangal root (optional, organic only, thinly sliced)
2-3 inches fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro)
1 tspn coriander seeds
1 tspn cumin seeds
For the Curry Base:
2 tbspns raw coconut oil
2 cans (approx. 27 oz total) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
1 tspn tamarind paste
Salt - to taste
For Protein & Vegetables:
1 block (14-16 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into small cubes
1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (or other desired vegetables like broccoli, carrots)
For Garnish:
2 tbspns crushed peanuts (or more, to taste)
Instructions
Cooking Tip: Enhance your cooking experience by playing a Sadhguru chant or Japji Saab from Guru Granth Sahab in the background as an offering to Shiv/Devi.
Prepare the Green Paste Ingredients: In a dry pan, lightly toast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Make the Green Paste: In a high-speed blender or Vitamix, combine the lime peel, green chilies, lemongrass, kale, spinach, rosemary, galangal root (if using), ginger, fresh coriander, and the toasted coriander and cumin seeds. Add 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil and a splash of water (if needed) to help blend. Blend until a very smooth, vibrant green paste forms.
Sauté the Paste: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the green paste and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly darkened.
Build the Curry Base: Pour in the 2 cans of coconut milk/cream. Stir in the tamarind paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Bake the Tofu: While the curry simmers, preheat your oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C). Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired firmness.
Steam the Vegetables: In a separate pot, steam the sliced green pepper and mushrooms (or other chosen vegetables) for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve: Add the baked tofu and steamed vegetables to the simmering curry. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish: Ladle the curry into bowls and garnish generously with crushed peanuts. Serve hot, optionally with rice or noodles.