Creamy Laotian Coconut Tofu Curry
Experience the vibrant flavors of Laos with this Creamy Laotian Coconut Tofu Curry. This dish combines the earthy depth of curry powder with the rich creaminess of coconut milk, resulting in a delightful sauce that envelops hearty potatoes and tender tofu. Enhanced with the aromatic notes of fresh ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, this mild curry is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, vegetarian meal. Serve it with steamed rice for a nourishing dinner that brings a taste of Southeast Asia to your table.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed ginger
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Crushed garlic
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Cashews
1/4 cup (Whole)
Lemongrass
2 teaspoons (Finely chopped)
Onions
2 (Cut into quarters)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Red chili pepper
1 small (Thinly chopped)
Curry powder
2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Firm tofu
2 1/2 cups (Cubed)
Coconut milk
2 cups (Canned)
Water
4 cups (For cooking)
Potatoes
2 cups (Cubed)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
White sugar
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the crushed garlic, crushed ginger, quartered onions, chopped lemongrass, chopped red chili pepper, and curry powder. Blend until you achieve a rough paste.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the blended paste and sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to soften.
3
Lower the heat to a simmer and gradually stir in the coconut milk and water, mixing well to combine.
4
Add the cubed potatoes to the wok, cover, and cook for approximately 15 minutes until the potatoes start to soften.
5
Gently fold in the cubed tofu and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
6
Season the curry with salt and sugar, adjusting flavors to your preference. If desired, garnish with additional herbs or chili pepper before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
31.7g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Laotian Coconut Tofu Curry?
It is a vibrant Southeast Asian dish featuring a mild, earthy curry sauce made with coconut milk, tofu, potatoes, and aromatic spices like lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.
Is this Laotian tofu curry vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and also qualifies as vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like tofu and coconut milk.
How many calories are in a serving of this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of cubed firm tofu, which holds its shape well during the simmering process.
How do I prepare the curry paste?
You create the paste by blending crushed garlic, ginger, onions, lemongrass, red chili pepper, and curry powder in a food processor until it reaches a rough consistency.
What are the primary aromatics used in this dish?
The main aromatics include fresh ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and onions.
How much coconut milk is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of canned coconut milk to achieve its creamy texture.
How long do the potatoes need to cook?
The potatoes should be simmered for about 15 minutes before adding the tofu, then cooked for another 15 minutes until tender.
Is this curry spicy?
This is considered a mild curry, though it does contain one small red chili pepper for a subtle kick.
What should I serve with this curry?
It is best served with a side of steamed rice for a complete and nourishing dinner.
How much protein does this dish provide?
One serving of this curry provides approximately 8.3 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 31.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content of the curry?
The dish contains 15 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the coconut milk and olive oil.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the curry paste.
What type of sugar is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of white sugar to balance the flavors.
How much water is added to the sauce?
A total of 4 cups of water are mixed with the coconut milk to create the cooking liquid.
When should I add the tofu to the pan?
The cubed tofu should be gently folded into the wok after the potatoes have already simmered for 15 minutes.
How do I prepare the onions for the paste?
The 2 onions should be cut into quarters before being placed into the food processor.
What is the role of cashews in this recipe?
While listed as an ingredient, cashews can be used as a garnish or blended into the sauce for extra richness.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, but you should adjust it to your personal taste.
How much lemongrass is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of finely chopped lemongrass for the curry paste.
What is the preparation for the red chili pepper?
One small red chili pepper should be thinly chopped before blending into the paste.
How long should I sauté the curry paste?
The blended paste should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How should the potatoes be cut?
The potatoes should be cut into 2-cup equivalent of cubes for even cooking.
What is the primary seasoning used for the earthy flavor?
The earthy depth comes from 2 tablespoons of curry powder.
Does the recipe require a specific cooking vessel?
A large wok or a deep skillet is recommended to accommodate the liquids, vegetables, and tofu.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, it is suggested to garnish with additional herbs or extra chili peppers before serving.
What is the preparation for the ginger and garlic?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon each of crushed ginger and crushed garlic.
Is this a good meal for comfort food?
Absolutely; the rich coconut milk and hearty potatoes make it an ideal vegetarian comfort food meal.