Delicious Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with my vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe! As a vegan chef, it’s important to me that my dishes are not only cruelty-free but are also flavorful and satisfying. This dish is the perfect combination of warm spices and creamy coconut milk, making it a delicious and hearty meal for any occasion.
If you’re new to the world of tikka masala, let me give you a quick rundown. Originating in India, tikka masala is an aromatic dish consisting of marinated meat (traditionally chicken) cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. My vegan twist on this classic recipe is made with chickpeas instead of chicken and features a dairy-free sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, my vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is sure to impress. So dust off those spices, grab your favorite veggies, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hold on tight, folks! Because I am about to introduce you to a lip-smacking, taste-bud tantalizing vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe that’s sure to win hearts and leave everyone wanting more.
Firstly, this recipe is a star when it comes to flavor. Its flavorful and aromatic blend of spices like garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, and coriander powder create an explosion of taste in your mouth that you won’t be able to resist. Plus, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes perfectly balances the spice in this dish.
Secondly, it’s a vegan-friendly recipe that’s also dairy-free. That means no animal products were used in its preparation! And just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s bland or unappetizing – far from it. This version of chickpea tikka masala is loaded with crucial nutrients that are beneficial for your general well-being.
Lastly, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for those who don’t have much time only taking up 30 minutes from start to finish. And you don’t have to worry about any complex cooking techniques because this recipe only requires standard kitchen equipment and simple methods.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that won’t last long at the table, then look no further than this vegan chickpea tikka masala. It’s bound to impress even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe. Make sure to have these items at hand before starting to cook:
Ingredients 1 (for the Chickpea Tikka):
- 2 cans of chickpeas (15-ounce each), drained and rinsed.
- 1 red onion, diced.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 tbsp grated ginger.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tbsp garam masala.
- 1 tsp ground coriander.
- 1 tsp ground cumin.
- ½ tsp ground turmeric.
- Salt (to taste).
- Red pepper flakes (to taste).
Ingredients 2 (for the Masala Sauce):
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 tbsp grated ginger.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste.
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil.
- 2 tbsp cashew nuts (optional).
- 1 tsp garam masala powder.
- Salt (to taste).
- Red pepper flakes (to taste).
- 1 can of coconut milk.
Ingredients 3 (for Serving):
- Cooked rice (for serving).
- Lime wedges (optional).
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to cook up some delicious vegan chickpea tikka masala? Great! Let’s get started with the recipe how-to.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cherry tomatoes and cilantro for serving
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Ginger and Tomatoes
Mix in the grated ginger and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes have broken down into a saucy consistency.
Step 3: Seasoning Mix
Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Liquid
Add in the drained chickpeas, coconut milk and water. Mix everything together well. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer for Amazing Flavor!
Simmer everything together on low heat until the sauce has thickened up and you’re happy with its consistency. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Your Chickpea Tikka Masala!
Garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes and cilantro, along with some cooked rice on the side for a complete meal.
Now that you’re done cooking your vegan chickpea tikka masala. How easy was that? This recipe is not only satisfying but also healthy food that will leave you wanting more every time!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with your Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala? Fortunately, there are various substitutions and variations that you can try out, and I’ve got you covered.
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can always substitute them for other beans such as black beans or kidney beans. You can also switch up the protein altogether and use tofu, tempeh or seitan. Alternatively, you can transform this recipe into a vegetable tikka masala by using cauliflower, potatoes or a mix of both.
For those who want to make this dish even spicier, add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, simply reduce the amount of spices used in the recipe.
If you’re looking for a creamier texture, you can swap out the coconut milk with cashew cream or vegan yogurt. This will give your Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala an even richer flavor profile.
Lastly, if you want to experiment with different types of rice, go for it! Basmati rice works great with this dish. However, feel free to use any cooked rice of your choice.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations. You may just discover a brand new favorite flavor combination that you never knew existed.
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the serving and pairing section of this vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe. I can guarantee you that this dish is beyond delicious and versatile – it pairs well with a variety of dishes! Here are some recommendations:
First, let’s talk about serving. It’s best to serve your vegan chickpea tikka masala hot, straight from the stove or oven. You can opt for serving it over cooked rice or with a piece of naan bread. You can even mix the two and get creative! The flavours in this dish will be sure to complement each other regardless of how you choose to serve it.
Now, let’s move on to pairing. This vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe has an explosion of flavours which means it opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to pairing it with other dishes. Here are some ideas:
– Pair it with a side of roasted cauliflower for a healthy, nutritious meal.
– Opt for some roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for a flavourful burst of nutrients.
– A crispy green salad topped with crunchy cashews or peanuts would provide great texture contrast to the creaminess of the chickpea tikka masala.
– If you’re looking for something heartier, consider pairing this dish with some crispy potatoes or toasted bread.
Incorporating protein like tofu or seitan would also be an excellent idea if you’re looking to add more protein and fibre into your diet. This vegan chickpea tikka masala is perfect on its own but serves as a fantastic base if you want to try something new – so feel free to experiment!
Voila, there you have it – some ideas for serving and pairing your vegan chickpea tikka masala dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
So, you want to enjoy this vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe but don’t want to cook it every day? Fear not, my friend. This recipe is perfect for making ahead!
Simply cook the chickpea tikka masala recipe as usual and let it cool down. Then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, there are two options: reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
To reheat on the stove, simply transfer the desired amount of chickpea tikka masala to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little water if needed.
To reheat in the microwave, transfer the desired amount of chickpea tikka masala to a microwave-safe container with a lid. Reheat in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Remember, if you’re reheating from frozen, then make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating using either method mentioned above.
This vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe is a great option for meal prep or batch cooking as it stores really well and reheats easily giving you delicious meals throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is a skill that requires balance, knowledge, and practice. And even though vegan cooking can sometimes seem easier, it doesn’t mean we should skip on essential techniques and tips to create a delicious dish. That’s why I want to share with you some tips to help you create the perfect Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe every time.
Firstly, make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re golden brown before adding in the tomato paste and spices. This will release the flavors and aromas of the ingredients, creating a complex base for the sauce. It’s crucial not to rush this step, as it can set the tone for the entire dish.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to be generous with spices like cumin or coriander powder. In Indian cuisine, spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties and taste-enhancing capabilities. Combined with the creamy coconut milk, these aromatic blends will elevate your Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala’s flavor tenfold.
Thirdly, some recipes recommend using canned coconut milk instead of fresh coconut milk. However, using fresh coconut milk can give your dish a thicker texture and richer flavor that canned milk cannot match. If you have time, try making your own fresh coconut milk or look for fresh ones at local groceries.
Fourthly, pay attention to the consistency of your sauce towards the end of cooking. Make sure it’s not too thick nor too thin; aim for a velvet-like texture. You can reach this consistency by adjusting how long you simmer your sauce and altering the amount of water or coconut milk used in your recipe.
Lastly, consider pairing your Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala with naan bread or roasted vegetables such as cauliflower or sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra brightness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create an excellent Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala that can compete with any restaurant version out there!
FAQ
Before you start whipping up this tantalizing and utterly satisfying vegan chickpea tikka masala, you may have questions that need answers. So, to help you cook like a pro, I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers. Whether it’s about the recipe itself, the recommended ingredients or suggested substitutions, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about making the perfect vegan chickpea tikka masala.
What is the difference between tikka masala and chana masala?
Tikka Masala and Chana Masala look similar but have different ingredients. Tikka Masala is usually prepared with meat while Chana Masala is made with chickpeas. Both are served in a creamy and slightly spicy sauce.
Is vegan tikka masala healthy?
This recipe is a vegan variation of the traditional Indian dish, Tikka Masala. It is simple to make and incredibly delicious, while still being healthy. A bonus is that this recipe yields considerable portions, making it ideal for meal prep purposes.
What is vegan tikka masala made of?
To start off, grab a pot and place it over medium heat. Melt some vegan butter in the pot and toss in some chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they become nicely softened. Next, add some crushed garlic, grated ginger, fresh chili, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder and cayenne pepper to the pot with the sautéed onions. Mix everything well and continue to sauté the spices with the onions. Then, add some crushed tomatoes and coconut cream to the pot, and give everything a good stir until all of the ingredients are evenly blended together.
How many calories are in chickpea tikka masala?
For a single serving of Gooh Chickpeas Tikka Masala, the dish is composed of 52 grams of carbohydrates, 43.2 grams of net carbs, 23 grams of fat, 8.8 grams of protein, and a total of 478 calories.
Bottom Line
With this vegan chickpea tikka masala recipe, you can enjoy the full flavors and aromas of the original tikka masala without compromising on your dietary choices. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free and 100% vegan-friendly. So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or someone who wants to try out a new flavorful meal while cutting out animal products from your diet, this recipe is perfect for you.
All in all, this vegan chickpea tikka masala will be an excellent addition to your dinner table. With its creamy coconut milk and fresh cherry tomatoes, it’s bound to send your taste buds into overdrive. Plus, it’s super-easy to make with simple ingredients that are readily available at your local supermarket. So why not give it a try?
I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed creating it for you. Let me know in the comments how this recipe worked out for you and any changes or adaptations you made to personalize it to suit your tastes. Remember to have fun experimenting and happy cooking!
Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large white onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons finely grated ginger
- 6 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 butternut squash
- cooked rice, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F Peel and de-seed the squash. Cut into 2-inch chunks and toss with 1 tbsp of the olive oil on a baking tray. Roast for 30 minutes until starting to brown around the edges. Set aside to cool.
- Heat the remaining oil in a large, deep skillet over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent – about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 1 minute. Add in the tomatoes, spices, salt, tomato paste, red pepper flakes and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and turn down to simmer. Leave to cook until most of the water has evaporated.
- Pour the contents of the skillet into a blender and add the remaining 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth then pour back into the pan.
- Add the coconut milk, chickpeas and roasted squash. Simmer until slightly reduced and thickened. Serve hot with rice.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.