Kadai Tofu Biryani
Kadai Tofu Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that combines marinated tofu and fragrant basmati rice with vibrant spices. This dairy-free version captures the essence of traditional biryani while providing a wholesome and satisfying meal.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 1 cup
- Firm tofu - 200 grams, cubed
- Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Green bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
- Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon
- Biryani masala - 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Mint leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - to taste
- Water - 2 cups
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat and add the cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the biryani masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are well combined.
- Add the diced green bell pepper and cubed tofu to the pan. Gently mix to coat the tofu with the spices and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pan, followed by 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir carefully to combine without breaking the tofu.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the biryani with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and a drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in plant-based protein from tofu.
- Rich in fiber and nutrients from vegetables.
Tags
IndianDairy-FreeDinner