Masala Chickpeas With Tofu and Blistered Tomatoes

Updated July 29, 2025

Masala Chickpeas With Tofu and Blistered Tomatoes
Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(928)
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
  • tablespoons 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
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

377 calories; 20 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 37 grams carbohydrates; 10 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 18 grams protein; 831 milligrams sodium

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
928 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!

Way too dry when recipe was followed to a T. Next few times, I cooked it to my own sense of timing and taste— and found that 3 tandoori curries can be very different from one another—then added broth to deglaze the pan and add a sauciness. Loved it with one teaspoon each tandoori masala and garam masala. Loved it more with tandoori masala a friend sent from Jaipur. Roasted the tofu in a little ghee. Each of the 4 times I’ve made it, it’s gotten better. Truly a recipe to make one’s own—

I'll make this soon again, delicious!! I tweaked recipe a bit 1) used minimal olive oil to avoid the ghee/veg oil amounts, 2) air fried tofu torn into pieces w/only nutritional yeast coating till crispy, 3) added nonfat yogurt to plate, 4) cooked not canned chickpeas, 5) cooked tomatoes to super juicy. Served with brown basmati rice.

gorgeous and quite easy if you’re not a freak like me. i used halloumi instead of tofu to fabulous results. i also got a wild hair and made a quick batch of liquid dough roti with turmeric and garam masala. would recommend if you’ve got an electric griddle or a fatigue pad phew

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