Creamy Coconut Curry with Spicy Tofu and Veggies
This delightful Creamy Coconut Curry is a harmonious blend of vibrant vegetables and tofu, inspired by the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Infused with aromatic spices and complemented by the creaminess of coconut, this dish strikes the perfect balance of spicy and savory, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal that excites the palate without overwhelming the senses. Each bowl bursts with color, nutrition, and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsweetened coconut cream
1 cup (None)
Coconut water
1 cup (None)
Curry powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Serrano pepper or finger chili
1 (Minced)
Litehouse freeze-dried lemongrass
1 tablespoon (None)
Fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon (Grated)
Garlic cloves
4 (Grated)
Tamari
3 tablespoons (None)
Baby leeks or large leek
2 baby or 1 large (Thinly sliced)
Oriental yam
1 (Peeled and diced)
Purple sweet potato
1 (Peeled and diced)
Delicata squash
1 (Peeled, seeded, and diced)
Firm tofu
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Unsweetened cashew milk
1 cup (None)
Shredded bamboo shoots
1 (8 ounce) can (None)
Snow peas
7 ounces (Halved)
Green bell pepper
1 (Sliced)
Baby spinach leaves
10 ounces (None)
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, whisk together the coconut cream, coconut water, curry powder, chili powder, minced chili, freeze-dried lemongrass, grated ginger, grated garlic, and tamari until well combined.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
3
Add the thinly sliced leeks, diced oriental yam, diced purple sweet potato, and delicata squash, along with the cubed tofu. Stir gently and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to begin cooking.
4
Pour in the unsweetened cashew milk and add the shredded bamboo shoots. Stir to combine, then increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a low boil. Allow it to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5
After an hour, add the halved snow peas and sliced green bell pepper to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
6
Remove from heat and gently fold in the baby spinach leaves until wilted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7
Serve the curry hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Coconut Curry with Spicy Tofu and Veggies?
It is a Thai-inspired, plant-based curry featuring a rich coconut base, firm tofu, and a variety of colorful root vegetables and greens.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses tofu for protein and plant-based milks like coconut and cashew.
What type of tofu works best for this curry?
Firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape well during the long simmering process without breaking apart.
How is the heat level adjusted in this dish?
The spiciness comes from curry powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and a fresh Serrano pepper. You can adjust these amounts to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the oriental yam?
Yes, you can substitute oriental yams with standard orange sweet potatoes or even russet potatoes if needed.
What is the purpose of using coconut water in the base?
Coconut water helps thin the sauce to the right consistency while adding a subtle natural sweetness and electrolyte boost.
Is this curry gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses tamari instead of soy sauce, which makes the entire dish gluten-free.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
The active prep and initial cooking take about 20 minutes, followed by a one-hour simmer to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What are delicata squash?
Delicata squash is a winter squash known for its creamy texture and sweet flavor, which pairs perfectly with Thai spices.
Do I need to peel the delicata squash?
The recipe specifies peeling, seeding, and dicing the delicata squash for a consistent texture in the curry.
Can I use frozen bamboo shoots?
While the recipe calls for canned shredded bamboo shoots, you can use frozen ones if you thaw and drain them first.
What can I serve with this curry?
This curry is traditionally served hot over a bed of steamed rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice.
How do I prepare the leeks?
The baby or large leeks should be thinly sliced and added early in the cooking process to soften.
What is Kashmiri chili powder?
It is a mild chili powder known for its vibrant red color. You can substitute it with cayenne if you prefer more heat.
When do I add the baby spinach?
The spinach is added at the very end, after the pot is removed from heat, and folded in until it naturally wilts.
Can I replace cashew milk?
Yes, you can use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk as a substitute for cashew milk.
What provides the aromatic base of the curry?
Aromatic depth is provided by fresh grated ginger, grated garlic, and freeze-dried lemongrass.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients required to make this complex and flavorful curry.
Are the snow peas cooked for a long time?
No, they are added in the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors in this curry deepen over time, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or meal prepping.
What is tamari?
Tamari is a Japanese style of soy sauce that is usually wheat-free and has a richer, less salty taste than standard soy sauce.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The 4 garlic cloves should be grated to allow them to melt into the sauce easily.
Can I use fresh lemongrass instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can substitute with finely minced fresh lemongrass stalks.
Why is the purple sweet potato included?
The purple sweet potato adds a beautiful color contrast and a dense, sweet texture to the dish.
What size should the tofu cubes be?
The tofu should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes for the best mouthfeel and even cooking.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains cashew milk. If you have a nut allergy, you should substitute it with coconut milk or soy milk.
How do I prevent the curry from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally during the one-hour simmer to prevent the ingredients from settling and burning.
What is the role of the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper adds a slightly bitter, fresh element that balances the sweetness of the coconut and yams.
Can I use light coconut cream?
You can, but the final result will be less creamy and rich than the original recipe intended.
Is the Serrano pepper seeded?
The recipe calls for it to be minced; you can remove the seeds if you want less heat or keep them for more spice.