Masala Chickpeas With Tofu and Blistered Tomatoes

Updated July 28, 2025

Media 1 of 1
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(2,165)
Comments
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Like a warm and gentle nudge, masala spice gives onions and chickpeas a distinctively comforting heartiness. Glimmering with droplets of ghee, they become rich in this any-season dish. Tearing the tofu allows for ample crooks and crannies that cradle and accentuate the aromatic goodness of the spice. Cherry tomatoes, slightly and delicately blistered, are welcome as juicy bursts of acidity in every bite. Serve this over rice, or with a gently poached egg, along with a few slices of lime for squeezing.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 4 servings
  • 1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained

  • 3 ½ tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

  • Salt and black pepper

  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped, some saved for garnish

  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, finely grated

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

  • 1 teaspoon ground tandoori or garam masala (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes

  • ¼ cup fresh mint or dill leaves, chopped, plus more leaves for garnish

  • Lime wedges, for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 to 4 servings)

37 grams carbs; 377 calories; 11 grams monosaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 20 grams fat; 10 grams fiber; 831 milligrams sodium; 18 grams protein; 9 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Slice the tofu in half horizontally and place on a clean kitchen or paper towel to dry.

  2. Step 2

    Set a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon ghee. Once the ghee begins to shimmer, season both sides of the tofu with salt and pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until the tofu is browned, about 4 minutes. Turn the pieces over and brown the other side, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer the tofu to a plate.

  3. Step 3

    Add 2 tablespoons ghee to the same skillet and heat over medium until shimmering. Add the onion (saving some for garnish) and cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the ginger, garlic and masala spice and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 3 minutes, or until the chickpeas begin to sizzle.

  5. Step 5

    Turn the heat up to medium-high, add the remaining ½ tablespoon ghee, then add the tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook without stirring until the tomatoes are just beginning to pop open and the chickpeas are warmed through, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the mint.

  6. Step 6

    Break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the skillet to coat with chickpea-tomato mix. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Garnish with remaining chopped raw onions and a few leaves of fresh mint. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
2,165 user ratings
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Comments

I made this as a sheet pan, tossing chickpeas, onions, pressed tofu pieces and some bell pepper slices with the spice mix, ginger garlic and some oil. Then baked at 450 for 15 minutes . After agitating the contents of the pan and tossing in the tomatoes I put it all back in for another 10 minutes. Finished with lime and dill. It was very easy and delicious.

Under seasoned as written—I ~doubled the masala, ginger, and garlic, plus added chili flakes and turmeric, after which it was much better!

I made this with halloumi instead of tofu because I had it on hand and thought it might mimic paneer. The result was great. I also let my tomatoes collapse a bit more after popping to have a bit more saucy consistency. I also added a bit of cayenne for heat. A keeper!

This essay is surprisingly good, even though visually the dish presents as kind of a brownish-beige mass with the exception of the tomatoes. But the flavors are quite lively, especially with mint and generous amounts of fresh lime juice squeezed over the top. I added more garam masala than instructed, but my main recommendation is to read to the end of the recipe before starting: the tofu is torn up at the end, not the beginning.

Sublime! In the future I will add a Serrano and serve with lime wedges as suggested. Fresh cilantro chutney would also be a great accompaniment . It was marvelous as written and was great the next day.

okay so i admittedly riffed on this to make use of some market produce. threw in bicolor corn kernels and two sliced zucchinis in with the chickpeas, added dashes of paprika and chili powder. served with some mozz pearls. really amazing and flavorful.

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