Village-Style Carrots and Peas with Tofu

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4. 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
5. 2 teaspoons garam masala
6. 2 teaspoons salt
7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
9. 1 pound carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
10. 1 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
11. 1 cup water
12. 1 cup frozen baby peas (5 1/2 ounces)
13. 1/2 pound firm tofu or Homemade Paneer with Indian Flavors, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1. In a large deep skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, garam masala, salt, cayenne and turmeric and cook until the mixture has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes and water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until the vegetables are just tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet until shimmering. Add the tofu and cook over moderately high heat, shaking the pan often, until golden all over, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, add the tofu to the curried vegetables along with the peas. Cover and cook over low heat until the peas are tender and warmed through, 4 to 5 minutes. Serve hot.