Spicy and delicious Tofu and Vegetable Vindaloo is a spicy and delicious Goan style curry. It is notable for its tangy flavor from vinegar, a generous dose of garlic and a liberal hit of spices.
This is a typical meat-base dish, but version is vegan with the use of veggies and tofu. I make this recipe in the Instant Pot, but you can definitely make it on the stove top and even in a slow cooker. Serve with rice or roti for a delicious meal.
About the Recipe
Indian food is a rich blend of spices and herbs crafted into sauces and seasonings. Each region has its own unique way of making recipes. For example this Andhra Gutti Vankaya or this easy Bombay Potatoes, each dish is different and delicious.
Vindaloo is a popular dish from the coastal state of Goa and is highly influenced by Portuguese cooking. Its popularity has grown over the years and is now a regular menu item in restaurants around the world.
Vindaloo has a characteristic tangy and spicy flavor with the use of vinegar and spices. A generous dose of garlic, cinnamon and chili powder balance out all of the flavors.
Traditional vindaloo is often made with lamb or chicken or even pork. In this vegetable vindaloo, I use mixed vegetables and tofu. You can use any of your favorite veggies. I have some ideas in the 'Expert Tips' section.
This vegetarian vindaloo is great to serve with steamed rice or simple fried rice or even roti. Try this easy Instant Pot recipe, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as my family did.
Ingredients
For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.
Here are the ingredients you need to make this veg vindaloo:
- Vegetables - I use potato and frozen mixed vegetables (carrot, green beans, peas, corn). Here are a few other veggie combo ideas:
- Sweet potato and cauliflower
- Potato, zucchini and green pepper
- Zucchini, cauliflower and red pepper
- Eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes
- Protein - I use extra firm tofu to make this a vegan vindaloo. But you can use paneer instead.
- Onion
- Tomato Puree
Here is what you need to make the spice paste:
- Vinegar - use either white wine or regular white vinegar
- Ginger & garlic
- Ground spices - cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, red chili powder
- Sugar & salt
Instructions
For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.
Here is how to make vegetable tofu vindaloo in Instant pot. Check out the recipe card for instructions on how to make vindaloo in slow cooker and on stove-top.
In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, salt, vinegar, ¼cup of water, 1 tablespoon oil and salt. Blend to a smooth paste. Set aside.
Heat Instant pot on Sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 1~2 minutes. Add the vegetables, tomato puree and remaining ½cup of water. Stir to combine.
Place the lid on, lock it, and close the steam valve. Set the timer for 3 minutes on High Pressure.When the timer sounds, quick release the pressure. Open the pressure cooker and stir in the cubed tofu. Select Sauté and cook for 2~3 minutes to heat through.
Serve right away with rice or roti.
Expert Tips
- Here are a few other veggie combo ideas to make this vegetarian vindaloo:
- Sweet potato and cauliflower
- Potato, zucchini and green pepper
- Zucchini, cauliflower and red pepper
- Eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes
- Feel free to use either white wine or regular white vinegar.
- Make paneer vindaloo by subbing tofu with paneer in the recipe.
- Cooked beans like chickpeas or white beans are also great instead of tofu.
- Like most Indian curries, this veg vindaloo also gets better as it sits. Flavors get a chance to mingle and it tastes even better the next day.
- Leftover vindaloo can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
You might also like
Here are a few more curry recipes that you might like:
I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.
Recipe Card
Instant Pot Vegetable Vindaloo
Ingredients
For the Spice Paste:
- 1" Ginger piece, coarsely chopped
- 3~4 Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili powder
- ½ pinch Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Ground Cloves
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- To taste Salt
- 2 tablespoons White Wine vinegar or Distilled white vinegar
- ¾ cup Water, divided
- 3 tablespoons Oil, divided
- To taste Salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Medium Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (combination of carrot, green beans, green peas & corn)
- 1 cup Tomato puree
- 2 cups Extra firm cubed Tofu
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, salt, vinegar, ¼cup of water, 1 tablespoon oil and salt. Blend to a smooth paste. Set aside.1" Ginger piece, coarsely chopped, 3~4 Garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin, 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander, 1 teaspoon Red Chili powder, ½ pinch Turmeric, ½ teaspoon Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, Pinch of Ground Cloves, 2 teaspoons Sugar, To taste Salt, 2 tablespoons White Wine vinegar or Distilled white vinegar, ¾ cup Water, divided, 3 tablespoons Oil, divided, To taste Salt
Instant Pot Vindaloo:
- Heat Instant pot on Sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 1~2 minutes. Add the potaotes, mixed vegetables, tomato puree and remaining ½cup of water. Stir to combine.3 tablespoons Oil, divided, 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped, 2 Medium Potatoes, peeled and chopped, 2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (combination of carrot, green beans, green peas & corn), 1 cup Tomato puree
- Place the lid on, lock it, and close the steam valve. Set the timer for 3 minutes on High Pressure.When the timer sounds, quick release the pressure.
- Open the pressure cooker and stir in the cubed tofu. Select Sauté and cook for 2~3 minutes to heat through. Serve right away with rice or roti.2 cups Extra firm cubed Tofu
Slow Cooker Vindaloo:
- In a medium size skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add the onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 1~2 minutes. Add the vegetables and cook for 3~4 minutes. Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker/ crock pot.
- Stir in the tomato puree and 1~1½ cups of water. Mix to combine. Cover and cook on SLOW for 6 hours or LOW for 4 hours or until the veggies are tender. Stir in the chopped tofu and on HIGH for 10 minutes to heat through.
Stove top Vindaloo:
- In a Dutch oven or a large heavy bottom pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add the onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 1~2 minutes. Add the vegetables and cook for 5~6 minutes or until the veggies are fork tender.
- Stir in the tomato puree and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine. Cook on medium-low heat for 20~30 minutes or until the veggies are tender. Add more water if the mixture seems to dry out whole cooking. Stir in the chopped tofu and cook till heated through, about 6~8 minutes more.
Video
Notes
- Here are a few other veggie combo ideas to make this vegetarian vindaloo:
- Sweet potato and cauliflower
- Potato, zucchini and green pepper
- Zucchini, cauliflower and red pepper
- Eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes
- Feel free to use either white wine or regular white vinegar.
- Make paneer vindaloo by subbing tofu with paneer in the recipe.
- Cooked beans like chickpeas or white beans are also great instead of tofu.
- Like most Indian curries, this veg vindaloo also gets better as it sits. Flavors get a chance to mingle and it tastes even better the next day.
- Leftover vindaloo can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
aparna
Vindaloo looks so good pavani.My daughter is going to turn one pretty soon. I just wish time would stop and i get to enjoy her more. Wish your little guy a very happy b'day from me.
Divya
He is so cute, looks like he is going to be a book-lover... look at him leafing through the books and papers! Wish him a very happy birthday and all happiness.
Can't wait for the cupcakes!
Lavi
Pavani..Vindaloo looks so yummy..
when i saw ur son playing with bookshelf..i just remember my son emptying the whole book shelf one day by climbing on chair. Now he is 1 year and 4 mons, he has stopped emptying and is keen in arranging them.. so keep enjoying! My Advanced Birthday wishes to your son!!!
notyet100
looks yum,..nd cutepics of ur son,..
SMN
Pavani "Vindaloo" new recipe for me.. sounds interesting..
Siri
the vindaloo looks yumm Pavani and Happy Birthday to your kiddo! he looks cho cute..:)
Cheers,
Siri
Srivalli
happy bday to your son..he is so cute...my twins are doing the same..:)..vindaloo looks yum!
meeso
Awwwww, what cute little pictures... The food looks so good!
Sherri
Hi Pavani! this recipe is exactly what I was hoping to find, looks absolutely delicious and it's meat-free which makes it even more perfect! The only thing I can't imagine is cooking it on a regular stove top for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low!? Is that a typing error? How could vegetables possibly cook in a slow cooker in for only 12 minutes but take 6 hours (on low) on the stove? I have a slow cooker, use it often and it really does cook things infinitely slower than the stove.... I just can't reconcile the cook-times logic here, 4 hours on high on the stove would boil every drop of moisture out of everything in the pot leaving at best a solid lump of paste and at worst a blackened disaster... 😀
cookshideout
Hi Sherri, thank you for pointing that out. I accidently included slow cooker timings for stove top. I updated the recipe now. Thank you again.
Regards,
Pavani
Mike
Hello I think the slow cooker timings are all wrong. Looks like a typo. What should they really be? Thank you
cookshideout
Hi Mike, thank you for pointing that out. I have updated the recipe with the correct time. Regards, Pavani