Masala Chickpeas With Tofu and Blistered Tomatoes
Updated July 29, 2025

- Total Time
- 35 minutes
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 30 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- 1(14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
- 3½tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1large red onion, finely chopped, some saved for garnish
- 1(2-inch) piece fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1teaspoon ground tandoori or garam masala (homemade or store-bought)
- 1(15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
- 1pint cherry tomatoes
- ¼cup fresh mint or dill leaves, chopped, plus more leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Preparation
- Step 1
Slice the tofu in half horizontally and place on a clean kitchen or paper towel to dry.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4
Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 3 minutes, or until the chickpeas begin to sizzle.
- 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.
- 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.
Private Notes
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 was so perfect just as it is! I used Spicewalla’s Tandoori masala. I am definitely adding this to my comfort food list!
What would be a good approach to make this vegan? Replacing the ghee with olive oil and then adding some plant based spread for the “buttery” flavor?
why do all recipes always call for canned beans, when one can cook them and avoid all the cans, packaging, shipping? I find this kind of offensive.