Tofu Saag

Briefly pat tofu dry with paper towels (about 5 seconds). Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of tofu to pan; cook 4 minutes or until golden, turning once. Drain tofu on paper towels. Repeat procedure with 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining tofu.

Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add baby spinach and baby kale; cover and cook 4 minutes or until wilted, stirring occasionally. Drain well, reserving cooking liquid. Place spinach mixture in a blender or food processor; blend until very smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of the cooking liquid if needed.

Combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, and next 4 ingredients (through 3 chiles) in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook 2 minutes or until cumin turns golden brown, stirring frequently.

Stir in ginger and 1/4 teaspoon asafetida, if desired; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove cloves and cardamom pods with a slotted spoon; discard. Stir in spinach mixture; swirl 1/4 cup cooking liquid in blender to extract puree clinging to the sides, and add to pan. Stir in salt. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes.

Place tofu on top of spinach mixture; cover and cook 5 minutes.

Combine ghee or oil with 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, and 3 chiles in a small skillet over medium-high heat; cook 2 minutes or until seeds turn golden brown, stirring frequently. Add 1/8 teaspoon asafetida, if desired, and ground red pepper. Carefully add 1 teaspoon water to keep ground red pepper from burning, and immediately pour oil mixture into spinach mixture. Stir.