Chickpea tikka masala is a delicious vegetarian take on the popular Indian dish, chicken tikka masala. It features tender chickpeas marinated in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based sauce known as masala. This easy chickpea tikka masala recipe is nutritious, packed with protein and fiber, and so flavorful. Whether you want to cut back on meat or just enjoy more vegetarian meals, this chickpea tikka masala is sure to satisfy.
In this recipe, chickpeas are first roasted in tandoori spices to enhance their flavor before simmering in the rich and aromatic curry sauce. The result is a dish that is complex in flavors – slightly smoky, a little sweet, and just a touch spicy. Serve it with steaming basmati rice and fresh naan bread for a fulfilling meal. Read on for the full chickpea tikka masala recipe, as well as tips for making the best batch every time.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Ingredients
This easy chickpea tikka masala uses simple ingredients that can be found at most well-stocked grocery stores. Here is what you will need:
Chickpeas: Canned or cooked dried chickpeas work best, as they hold their shape well once roasted and simmered in the sauce.
Onion: A yellow or white onion is diced and sautéed as the flavor base for the curry sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a subtle background flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger root adds a little spice and warmth.
Tomato sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes make an easy curry sauce base.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt is whipped into the sauce to give it a rich, creamy texture.
Spices and seasonings: This includes garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper.
Fresh cilantro and lime: Mixed in at the end for a flavor and nutrition boost.
Butter or oil: For sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices.
The exact measurements for each chickpea tikka masala ingredient are included in the recipe below.
How to Make Easy Chickpea Tikka Masala
With just 20 minutes active prep time, this recipe comes together quickly. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to make chickpea tikka masala:
1. Prepare the chickpea tikka:
– Drain and rinse one 15 oz can chickpeas (about 1 1⁄2 cups cooked chickpeas). Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel. This helps them get extra crispy when roasted.
– In a small bowl, make the tikka masala spice mix. Whisk together 1 tsp each garam masala, cumin, and paprika along with 1⁄2 tsp each turmeric, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper.
– Toss the dried chickpeas with 1 tbsp oil or melted butter and the tikka spice mix until fully coated.
– Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly charred and crispy.
2. Cook the onion masala sauce:
– Dice 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves garlic. Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until translucent and just starting to brown.
– Add the garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in 1 tsp each garam masala and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Simmer the chickpea tikka masala:
– Pour one 15 oz can crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Use the can to rinse out 2 tbsp water and add it as well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
– Whisk in 1⁄2 cup plain yogurt until fully incorporated. Heat through without boiling.
– Add the roasted chickpeas and toss to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Finish and serve:
– Remove pan from heat. Stir in 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro and the juice from 1 lime. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
– Serve chickpea tikka masala hot, spooned over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with more cilantro. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Chickpea Tikka Masala
– For the most flavor, opt for dried chickpeas instead of canned. Soak overnight then simmer until tender before roasting.
– When roasting the chickpea tikka, make sure the chickpeas are very dry first. This helps them get crispy and charred.
– Use full-fat coconut milk instead of yogurt for a vegan/dairy-free version.
– For spicier tikka masala, add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red chili powder to the sauce.
– Garnish with sliced almonds, raisins, or a dollop of mango chutney.
– Swap in different veggies like cauliflower or paneer cheese for variation.
This easy recipe for chickpea tikka masala is delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly. It makes for fantastic leftovers too. The flavors only improve overnight, so save any extra portions for quick meals later on. This vegetarian chickpea tikka masala is truly simple to whip up any night of the week.
Conclusion
For an easy yet flavorful meatless take on a popular Indian dish, whip up this recipe for chickpea tikka masala. It features protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a creamy, gently spiced tomato sauce and is full of complex flavors. With just 20 minutes of active prep and cook time, this vegetarian chickpea curry is simple to make on busy weeknights. Serve it alongside basmati rice or with fresh, warm naan bread. Whether enjoying chickpea tikka masala as your new go-to meatless meal or trying the dish for the first time, this recipe is sure to satisfy and become an instant favorite.