Spicy Tofu Palau (Afghanistan’s National Dish – Vegan Style!)

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 0
Spicy Tofu Palau - a vegan twist on Afghanistan's National Dish
in Main

Prep

40 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

14 ounces extra firm tofu , drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups basmati rice
2 onions , diced
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 carrots , sliced into long thin pieces
1 cup raisins
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup vegetable stock , hot ( or use a vegetable based 'chicken ' stock , such as Massel )
1/2 cup pistachios , chopped
1/2 cup almonds , chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
670
Sugar
23g
Fat
27g
Palau (also spelled pilaf or plov) is an integral part of Afghan cuisine and often served during special occasions and gatherings. This vegan twist on the classic dish replaces the usual meat with extra firm tofu and is packed with aromatic spices, dried fruit, and nuts. The dish itself is a feast for the senses with the sweetness of raisins and crunch of pistachios and almonds. It's a hearty and filling dish that's perfect for colder months or when you need a comforting meal.

Instructions

1.Drain tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2.Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté tofu until golden brown.
3.Remove from skillet and set it aside.
4.Rinse rice in cold water 2-3 times and let it soak for 30 minutes.
5.In a large pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté onions until they turn golden brown.
6.Add in sliced carrots and raisins, followed by brown sugar and the vegetable stock.
7.Add spices (cumin, cardamom, black pepper) and mix everything well.
8.Add cooked tofu cubes to the pot and mix again.
9.Finally, add soaked rice and enough water to cover the rice by an inch.
10.Bring it to a boil and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is cooked through.
11.Serve hot topped with chopped pistachios and almonds.

PROS

This vegan version of the classic Afghan dish is packed with flavor and a good source of plant-based protein.

It’s also a great option for those who want to cut back on their meat consumption.

CONS

Some people may not like the taste of tofu or the texture of raisins in their rice.

Additionally, the preparation time for this dish is longer than most.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein and has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Brown rice is a whole grain and provides more fiber and nutrients than white rice.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, while raisins contain antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.

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