Tandoori Tofu… a delicious twist from the traditional chicken tandoori.

Too captivated by the season finale of “So You Think You Can Dance” that I can’t even focus on writing a blog post.  The competitors this season are all so phenomenal!  Have you been watching this show?  If so, who do you want to win?  I’m voting for Melanie!

I hope you enjoy the tofu recipe… it was a delicious alternative to the traditional chicken tandoori.

Tofu Tandoori

2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon sweet (not hot) paprika
1 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
2.5 tablespoons lemon juice
4 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12 ounce) box extra firm tofu, cubed

Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat, then cook the coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala and paprika, stirring often, until fragrant (approximately 2-3 minutes). Let cool completely.

Whisk in the cooled spice-oil mixture into the yogurt, then mix in the lemon juice, garlic, salt and ginger.

Coat the tofu in the marinade, cover and chill for at least two hours.

Prepare your grill so that one side is quite hot over direct heat, the other side cooler, not over direct heat. If using charcoal, leave one side of the grill without coals, so you have a hot side and a cooler side. If you are using a gas grill, just turn on one-half of the burners. Use tongs to wipe the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. Take the tofu out of the marinade and shake off the excess. You want the tofu coated, but not gloppy. Skewer the tofu and put it on the hot side of the grill and cover.  Cook 2-3 minutes before checking.  Turn the tofu so it is brown (even a little bit charred) on all sides.

Conversely, you can also cook this in your oven.  Preheat the oven to 550 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with foil.  Place tofu onto baking sheet, and put into the oven.  Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes.  Turn on the broiler, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to char the tofu a little bit more.

Serve with lemon wedges, and grilled sliced onions.

Makes 4-6 servings.