Chatakedar Tofu / Tangy & Spicy Tofu - Easy Tofu Recipes !

I like to try new recipes with Tofu though we love Tofu Mutter Masala I wanted to try something different this time. I decided to make a starter or snack with it. I searched for Paneer Starters/Snacks and this Chatakedar Recipe with Paneer from Tarla Dalal site got my attention more. As the name and the recipe also very new to me and I wanted to try it with Tofu instead Paneer. This is a spicy, mild tangy appetizer or a dry side that pairs well with mild pulao or Fried Rice. A complete Vegan recipe and tried to make it a low calorie without harming the health benefits of Tofu. I slightly tweaked the Original recipe, if you want to try something new and spicy starter give it a try and a perfect recipe for this weather, I am sure you will love it, when served hot with onion slices and lemon wedges on a rainy or cold evenings. Here, goes my version of Chatakedar Tofu.

Preparation Time : 15 minutes(excluding Tofu Pressing Time)

Cooking Time : 15 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients

1. Tofu, firm or extra firm   7 oz or 200 gm
2. Oil   1 and 1/2 tbsp (to shallow fry)
3. Corn starch/corn Flour     1 tsp
4. Salt   a pinch

For Masala

1. Oil     1/2 tbsp
2. Green chilli paste    2 tsp
3. Tomato     2 tbsp or more (finely chopped)
4. Tomato Puree   2 tbsp
5. Salt    to taste
6. Chilli powder     1/2 tsp
7. Coriander Powder     1 tsp
8. Pav Bhaji Masala    1 tsp
9. Kasoori Methi/Dry Methi leaves     1/4 tsp
10. Cilantro -  few finely chopped

Method

• Press Tofu for 30 minutes to remove moisture(like you do for Paneer to set, place tofu in a plate and place another flat bottomed plate n keep some heavy weight material on it, to remove the extra water content) and then cut in to cubes(for pic click here)

• Then take tofu cubes in a bowl, sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt and corn flour mix well.
• After that heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the Tofu cubes both sides until crisp and golden brown(if you want you can deep fry also).

• Once done remove from the pan and drain it in paper towel.
• Let it cool for a while, meantime grind chilli paste and tomato for puree.

• And then heat oil in a pan, add chilli paste saute for few seconds then add chopped tomato and tomato puree and saute for 1- 2 minutes.
• Then add dry powders - chilli, coriander, pav bhaji masala, kasoori methi and stir fry for 2 minutes.
• Now add fried tofu cubes and saute in medium high flame until Tofu cubes get coated with all the masala and it turns dry.

• Lastly add some finely chopped cilantro and switch off the stove.
• That's it..Spicy and tangy Chatakedar Tofu ready. Serve Hot with onion slices and lemon wedges.

Notes:

The same recipe can be made with paneer also.

Adjust spices and chilli to your taste. The above one was spicy.(the green chilli variety which i used was spicy but it was perfect wit Tofu).

Don't forget to add lemon and onion slices while serving, it adds more taste to the dish.

Adding corn flour or corn starch will help to absorb the excess moisture from Tofu and also for crispness.