Tofu Saag with Tadka
A vegan take on saag — silky puréed spinach and mustard greens with crispy air-fried tofu, finished with a sizzling cumin-turmeric tadka. Deeply green, deeply nourishing.
★ Great for meal prep — make a batch and freeze in serving-size packs.
Why it works
Strong bones
Spinach and mustard greens are loaded with calcium and vitamin K for bone density.
spinach · mustard greensPhytoestrogen boost
Tofu brings soy isoflavones that help ease hot flashes, plus plant protein.
tofuAnti-inflammatory
A turmeric-cumin tadka adds gentle anti-inflammatory support for achy joints.
turmeric · cumin01 Air-fried tofu
Air-fried tofu
- 8 oztofu, drained & cubed 1"soy isoflavones + plant protein
- to coatrice flour, seasoned with salt & peppercrisp, gluten-free coating
- Drain the tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the cubes in seasoned rice flour.
- Air-fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, until crisp.
02 Spinach & mustard greens saag
Spinach & mustard greens saag
- 1 lbspinach & mustard greens (or yu choy)calcium + vitamin K for bone
- 1onion, chopped
- 1 in + 3ginger (grated) + garlic cloves (grated)
- ¼ cupcoconut milkcreaminess without dairy
- to tastecumin, turmeric, chilianti-inflammatory
- Cut the greens and blanch them.
- Chop the onion and grate the ginger and garlic; sauté the aromatics, then add the coconut milk and greens.
- Blend smooth — or blend most and leave some unblended for a little texture. Fold in the crispy air-fried tofu.
03 Cumin-turmeric tadka
Cumin-turmeric tadka
- 1 Tbspolive oil
- to tastecumin, turmeric, coriandercurcumin for joints
- Toast the cumin, turmeric, and coriander in the olive oil until fragrant.
- Pour over the dish as a garnish just before serving.
Make it work harder (optional)
Make it work harder: stir a spoon of white miso into the greens (phytoestrogens + probiotics), or add extra tofu for more protein.
What's in it & what it does
Spinach & mustard greens
A double hit of calcium and vitamin K — the bone-building heart of the dish.
Tofu
Soy isoflavones for hot flashes plus lean plant protein, crisped for texture.
Turmeric
The tadka's curcumin is gently anti-inflammatory for achy joints.
Coconut milk
A little brings dairy-free creaminess without the saturated fat of cream or paneer.