Steaming tempeh before cooking helps reduce the bitterness. This is an optinal step. Bring a water to boil in a pot, place tempeh on a trivet in above boiling water, cover and steam for 10-15 min. Once done, take it out and let it cool down for few minutes then use it as you please.
Crumble tempeh (or chickpeas/tofu/paneer if using substitute) using food processor. Do not grind them too fine, leave it chunky.
Heat up oil in a pan, add in cumin seeds and asafetida.
Once cumin seeds are fragrant and golden brown, add in onions, garlic and ½ tsp of regular salt. Cook on medium heat until onions are translucent.
Add in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste along with other spices listed above under "Curried Tempeh Crumbs". Mix well, add in ¼ cup of water and mix well. Keep cooking on medium heat for couple of minutes.
Add in crumbled tempeh (or chickpeas/tofu/paneer if using substitute). Mix well, If the mixture seems too dry, add another ¼ cup of water. Mix well. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes on low heat.
Once tempeh is done, mix in cilantro and take it off the heat. Let it cool down a little.