Kaju Paneer Masala (vegan)

I recently made this and it was delicious beyond words! Lip smacking  delicious! My family and friends simply loved it! It has a rich, creamy, silky, flavorful curry. The recipe is adapted from Kaju Paneer Masala by Pankaj Bhadouria. It does take a little bit of time but so worth it! You could also make the curry in a big batch and freeze some of it (without the tofu).

Ingredients

• Whole spices:
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 green cardamoms
• 4 cloves
• Shred or make a paste
• 2" ginger
• 2 tbsp minced garlic (if you have fresh garlic use that)
• 1 serrano pepper
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• Powdered spices:
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp paprika (or kashmiri mirch)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can diced tomatoes, pureed
• ~2 cups Cashew
• 1 block Firm tofu, drained for 2-3 hours
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (vegan), I used the one from Trader Joes but any brand should work
• 2 tbsp kasuri Mekhi
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Method

1. Soak the cashews in water.
2. Heat 5 tsp oil in a pan on medium heat.
3. Sauté the whole spices till fragrant.
4. Add the onions and sauté. Sprinkle a little bit (~1/4 tsp) salt so that the onions cook faster. Sauté till they are pink and translucent. It will take around 10-12 minutes
5. In the mean time, preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Cut the tofu into cubes. Add 2 tsp oil and coat them. Air fry for 10 minutes on 400 F. 
1. If you don't have an air fryer, you can shallow fry the tofu in a pan as well. Or use it just like that.
6. Add the ginger, garlic and green chili paste. Sauté till the raw smell of garlic goes away. The onions should be pinkish brown.
7. Take the powdered spices in a small bowl and add 1/4 cup water to make a slurry/paste. Then add to the pan. Sauté till the oil comes on top.
8. Blend the cashews with some water to a fine paste.
9. Add the pureed tomatoes and sauté till the oil comes on top.
10. Add the cashew paste and 1/2 cup water. Mix well.
11. Add the tofu and cream. 
12. Add salt according to taste.
13. Simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes.
14. Crush the kauri methi between your palms and add.
15. Mix well!