Chickpea Tikka Masala
A comforting, protein-packed plant-based version of the Indian classic. This chickpea tikka masala is rich, creamy, spiced to perfection, and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- - 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- - 1 medium onion finely chopped
- - 3 garlic cloves minced
- - 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- - 1 tbsp garam masala
- - 1 tsp ground cumin
- - 1 tsp ground coriander
- - 1/2 tsp turmeric
- - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- - 1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
- - 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
- - 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar optional, to balance acidity
- For the Chickpeas:
- - 2 cans 400g each chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- - Juice of 1/2 lemon
- - Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Optional Add-ins:
- - 1–2 cups baby spinach or kale
- - Cooked rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Spice It Up
- Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Simmer
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Simmer for 8–10 minutes to let flavors develop.
- Creamy Finish
- Stir in coconut milk and maple syrup (if using). Simmer for 3–5 minutes until creamy and thickened.
- Add Chickpeas
- Add chickpeas and lemon juice. Stir to coat and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until heated through. Add spinach here if using, and let it wilt.
- Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside rice or naan.
- prep_time: PT10M
- cook_time: PT20M
- total_time: PT30M
- servings: 4
- nutrition:
- calories: ~350
- carbohydrates: ~45g
- protein: ~12g
- fat: ~14g
- fiber: ~10g
- sugar: ~8g
Notes
- To make it spicier, add more cayenne or a diced chili.
- For extra creaminess, blend half the sauce before adding the chickpeas.
- For extra creaminess, blend half the sauce before adding the chickpeas.