Vegan Masala recommends
Heavy-bottomed cooking pot
Steady heat helps rice, dal and slow-simmered sauces cook evenly without catching on the base.
Paid affiliate link · No extra cost to you


Plant-based Indian recipes, made authentically
vegan-masala.com
information@vegan-masala.com

Vegan Masala Recipe
Charred tofu tikka meets a silky tomato, cashew and spice sauce in this restaurant-style vegan curry. Smoky edges and a rich gravy make it feel properly special.
Recipe by Craig LogueHow our recipes are created
From the kitchen
The char on the tofu is not merely decorative—it gives the creamy sauce contrast and savoury depth. Let the marinade cling, cook the pieces until bronzed and fold them into the gravy near the end.
Serving idea
Serve with basmati rice, roti, or naan, with sliced onion and lemon on the side.
Useful equipment
These are optional paid links to useful Amazon UK searches. If you make a qualifying purchase, Vegan Masala may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Vegan Masala recommends
Steady heat helps rice, dal and slow-simmered sauces cook evenly without catching on the base.
Paid affiliate link · No extra cost to you
Vegan Masala recommends
Freshly ground whole spices give masalas a brighter aroma than long-opened ground spices.
Paid affiliate link · No extra cost to you
Cook the recipe
In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp plant yoghurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Add 200 g cubed tofu and 1 diced bell pepper. Toss well and leave to marinate for 1 hour.
Bake the marinated tofu and vegetables at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, or pan-fry them until the edges are lightly charred.
Blend 1 large finely chopped onion and 2 medium chopped tomatoes to a smooth purée.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and cook the onion paste until it turns golden and loses its raw smell.
Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for a few seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato purée and cook until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
Add 2 tbsp fresh coriander, 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute.
Add 1 cup water and simmer until the gravy has body and the raw tomato taste has gone.
Stir in 100 ml oat cream and 1 tin drained chickpeas, then add the baked tofu tikka pieces.
Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Finish with 1 tsp sugar if needed, then serve hot.
Scatter over a little extra fresh coriander if you like before serving.
Gather everything first
A few useful notes
Topic hub
Browse the curated curry hub for related chickpea, dal, potato, tofu and vegetable recipes in one place.
Visit the curry hub
Chickpeas simmer in a silky tomato, cashew and spice sauce in this easy vegan take on a butter masala. It is weeknight-friendly but still rich enough to feel like a treat.

Vegetable bhuna cooks cauliflower and mixed vegetables in a concentrated North Indian tomato masala, finished with a cumin-scented tadka. It is rich, textured and unapologetically full of spice.

Instant Pot chana masala delivers tender chickpeas and a full-bodied onion-tomato gravy with very little tending. The pressure cooker draws the spices together while keeping this family favourite practical.

Palak chole combines hearty chickpeas with a vivid spinach masala, balancing earthy greens, tomato and warming spice. It is nourishing, full-flavoured and excellent with rice or roti.

A practical guide to choosing, storing and cooking seasonal UK vegetables with Indian spices throughout the year.

The core spices, lentils, beans, grains, and aromatics worth keeping on hand for everyday vegan Indian cooking.

Learn the simple method behind most Indian curries by mastering the classic onion, tomato and spice base.