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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!
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian

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.
Keyword chickpea tikka masala, vegan tikka masala, healthy Indian curry, quick plant-based dinner