Tandoori cuisine, with its rich and spicy flavors, has been a staple of Indian gastronomy for centuries. Traditionally prepared in a clay oven known as a tandoor, this cooking style imparts a smoky, charred essence that captivates the palate. In this culinary journey, we’re taking a detour from the usual meat-centered tandoori dishes to explore a vegan delight: Tandoori Tofu. Bursting with vibrant spices, this dish combines the creamy texture of tofu with the bold flavors of traditional tandoori marinade. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more.

Tandoori cooking has its origins in the Northern regions of India, particularly Punjab. It was traditionally used for cooking meats, and the name ‘tandoori’ itself refers to the tandoor, the iconic clay oven used for this method. Over time, tandoori cooking techniques have evolved, and today, tofu, a plant-based protein source, takes center stage.

To embark on this culinary adventure and create your own Tandoori Tofu, follow the preparation steps below.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Start by draining the tofu and pressing it to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top for about 15-20 minutes.
• Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

2. Create the Marinade:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free yogurt, tandoori masala spice blend, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you have a smooth, vibrant marinade.

3. Marinate the Tofu:

• Place the tofu cubes into another bowl. Add the vegetable oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the tofu to coat it evenly with these spices.

4. Combine Tofu with Marinade:

• Pour the tandoori marinade over the tofu cubes, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Skewer the Tofu:

• Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
• Thread the marinated tofu cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

6. Grill or Oven-Bake:

• If grilling, place the tofu skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are charred and slightly crispy.
• If baking in the oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are nicely browned.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once cooked to perfection, remove the tandoori tofu skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lemon juice, if desired.
• Serve hot alongside naan bread, rice, or a crisp salad. A cooling cucumber yogurt sauce complements this dish beautifully.

Tandoori Tofu brings a vegan twist to a classic Indian culinary tradition. Its rich, smoky flavors and aromatic spices make it a captivating dish for both vegans and omnivores alike. By replacing meat with tofu, we’ve unlocked a world of plant-based possibilities in tandoori cuisine, proving that flavor knows no boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new flavors, Tandoori Tofu is a culinary adventure worth embarking on. So, fire up your grill or preheat your oven, and savor the magic of tandoori spices dancing with the creamy goodness of tofu.