I’ve been making my own version of this dish since Heidi of 101 Cookbooks posted her fabulous recipe in 2008, but I’ve never posted my recipe, mostly because it just isn’t very photogenic. However, it is my very most favorite tofu dish and also my favorite vegan meal. I really do not like tofu and strongly disagree with people who say it has no taste, but I really truly adore this meal. The spicy-floral-smoky garam masala, the mild onion flavor of the leeks, the soft tofu, the tart-sweet cranberries, salty & crunchy pistachios, and cilantro all combine into a wonderful medley of flavors and textures. Even my picky husband goes crazy for this stuff, which honestly baffles me. I love it, but I love a lot of things he detests. Still, he really piles his plate high when I make it.
It may look like dog food on a plate but it is absolutely wonderful! And it’s really easy to make–it all comes together in less than half an hour.
I’m sending this recipe over to Sanchita of Chilli and Chocolate for this week’s BSI contest featuring pistachios. Thank you, Sanchita, for choosing pistachios and forcing me to finally post this wonderfully ugly recipe! :)
Garam Masala Tofu Scramble
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture (really? you want the picture??)
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons garam masala spice blend
3 leeks, white parts only, sliced thin
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
12 ounces extra firm organic tofu, crumbled
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup chopped pistachios
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the salt and garam masala, then add the sliced leeks. Stir to coat the leeks with the oil and spices and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Add extra oil if necessary. Stir in the cranberries and cook for thirty seconds, then stir in the tofu. Smash and stir, smash and stir, until the tofu is all crumbled and mixed well. Cook until heated through; remove from heat. Stir in the cilantro and pistachios; add extra salt if necessary. Serve warm.
Serves 2-4
Recipe source: adapted from 101 Cookbooks
…and you’re inviting me over to dinner to eat this…WHEN?! Looks yum, I’ll have to try! :)
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mmmm! two things I love Garam Masala and tofu! I do something like this, but I leave the tofu in slices and fry them first so they are more meaty, and I use eggplant cuz I love it with the spices.
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Who says this is ugly??? It’s a mouthwatering dish. Thanks a lot for participating, your post is listed on my blog now.
Good luck!
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LOL! It is rather ugly but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? And what’s inside (garam masala, cilantro, tofu, pistachios) sounds awesome!
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I agree with Pop, it isn’t sight appealing but, the ingredients are yummy. Well, except the tofu part, I’ve never had it so I don’t have an opinion on that part ;)
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I totally agree with you on the tofu. When prepared and marinated right it can be very tasty! Yes, that is coming from a southern cook. Trust me, tofu is not a likeable dish around my neck of the woods! But, I do like it and occasionally make it. I do marinate it the night before it acts like a sponge and soaks up all the wonderful herbs and spices……
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The scramble sounds fantastic with garam masala & dried cranberries!
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I’ve got a jar of garam masala that usually only gets pulled out of the cupboard for Indian dishes. This is a great new use for it! I love the nuts in there for some crunch!
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Well, this makes up for that evil butter beer post! Which I find myself craving far too often already.
I love this scramble! I’m trying to eat more vegan and less vegetarian. This is perfect timing Veronica thank-you!
Laura
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This sounds fantastic, too…. you’re on a BSI roll!
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I still have to make my pistachio gelato!!
Spaghetti squash is a dish I make that never looks appetizing, but its so good!
Happy Friday Veronica!
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Ew, tofu. Oh wait– PISTACHIOS?! That’s freaking interesting! Wow, tofu! With PISTACHIO! Hope you win! :D
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I didn’t win but that’s OK–I won the last round with butter beer. This week a girl who made a cake with pistachios won, which is totally fine b/c…well, look at my picture! How could THAT win? LOL!
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Hi Veronica, I am writing a vegetarian cookbook and have just started a vegetarian blog on wordpress, lusciousvegetarian.wordpress.com
I am happily browsing wordpress foodblogs and came across yours and this recipe certainly looks worth a try. I love tofu, actually, properly prepared it can be very tasty and filling. the recipe for crispy sesame tofu noodles with broccoli on my blog might persuade you to give it another go!
I’ve added you to my blogroll – bloggin can certainly be an addictive pasttime, and I really enjoy yours.
Kind regards from Cape Town, South Africa.
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Ugly?! I don’t think so! I am so gonna try this! :)
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