Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add broken beancurd sticks and cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the bean curd is softened.
Drain bean curd and set aside.
Heat oil over medium-high in a large saucepan, add onion, and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, cumin, paprika and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the tomatoes, carrot, potato and stir to coat with the seasonings.
Add coconut milk, water, bean curd sticks, and pepper.
Bring the curry to a boil, cover the saucepan and reduce to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Mash potatoes and some of the beans to thicken the curry sauce.
Season with salt to taste, serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.