Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe

This Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish made with chickpeas simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s perfect for serving over rice or with naan for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Base Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Spices:
• 1½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Main Ingredients:
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 14-ounce can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• Optional: Water to thin the sauce (about ¼ cup)
• For Serving:
• Cooked basmati rice or quinoa
• Vegan naan
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Spices:

• Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes to toast the spices.

Combine Main Ingredients:

• Pour in the tomato sauce and coconut milk. Add the drained chickpeas and stir until everything is well combined.
• If the sauce is too thick, add water to achieve your desired consistency.

Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the tikka masala and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or spices.

Serve:

• Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with vegan naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips

• For added flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular tomato sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• This dish can be made in advance and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Variations of Chickpea Tikka Masala from Different Regions of India

1. Punjabi Tikka Masala: This version typically includes a rich and creamy tomato base with a higher quantity of spices and often incorporates yogurt for added tanginess.
2. Kashmiri Tikka Masala: Known for its vibrant red color, this variation uses Kashmiri red chili powder and may include dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness.
3. Goan Tikka Masala: Incorporates coconut milk and local spices, giving it a unique flavor profile that reflects the coastal cuisine of Goa.
4. Bengali Tikka Masala: May include mustard oil and a mix of spices like nigella seeds (kalonji) for a distinct flavor, often served with rice.

Making Chickpea Tikka Masala with a Spicy Kick

• Increase Spice Levels: Add more cayenne pepper or red chili powder to the dish.
• Fresh Green Chilies: Incorporate finely chopped green chilies during the sautéing process.
• Spicy Marinade: Marinate chickpeas in a mixture of yogurt (or plant-based yogurt) and spices before cooking to infuse them with heat.

Healthy Alternatives to Coconut Milk in Chickpea Tikka Masala

1. Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used for a lighter option, though it may not be as creamy.
2. Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a rich, creamy sauce that adds healthy fats.
3. Soy Milk: Unsweetened soy milk can also work well, providing creaminess without the coconut flavor.

Using Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned Tomato Sauce

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned tomato sauce. To do this:

• Preparation: Use about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, diced. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then peel and chop them for easier cooking.
• Cooking Time: Fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking time to break down into a sauce compared to canned varieties.

Making Chickpea Tikka Masala with a Nut-Based Sauce

To create a nut-based sauce:

1. Nut Base: Use blended cashews or almonds mixed with water to create a creamy base instead of coconut milk.
2. Preparation: Soak ½ cup of cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then blend with fresh water until smooth.
3. Cooking: Add this nut cream towards the end of cooking to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.

These variations and tips will help you customize your Chickpea Tikka Masala to suit your taste preferences while exploring different regional influences!

Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala as a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!