Homemade Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe: Cozy Spice Magic

Spice lovers swoon over this mouthwatering chickpea tikka masala that brings the vibrant flavors of India straight to your kitchen.

Tender chickpeas swimming in a luxurious, creamy sauce capture the essence of traditional Indian cuisine.

Every bite bursts with robust spices and rich, aromatic notes that dance across your palate.

The recipe balances complex layers of heat and comfort, creating a vegetarian masterpiece that satisfies deeply.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will devour this hearty, warming creation that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Grab your skillet and get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Delhi.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chickpea Tikka Masala

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich foundation for sautéing vegetables and building deep flavor layers..
• Onion: Adds sweet, savory undertones and creates a robust flavor base for the tikka masala..
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out moisture from vegetables during cooking..

• Jalapeños: Brings a fresh, spicy kick that adds complexity and heat to the dish..
• Ginger: Contributes a zesty, warm note with subtle citrusy undertones that complement the spices..
• Garlic: Offers pungent, earthy depth that forms the core of many Indian-inspired dishes..
• Garam Masala: A traditional spice blend that adds warmth and complexity with its intricate mix of ground spices..
• Ground Cumin: Delivers an earthy, nutty essence that is quintessential in Indian cuisine..
• Curry Powder: Provides a golden color and balanced spice profile with multiple ground spices..
• Paprika: Introduces a mild, sweet pepper flavor and vibrant red color..
• Cayenne: Optional spice that adds intense heat for those who enjoy extra kick..
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce with rich umami notes..

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates a tangy, slightly acidic base that helps balance the rich spices..
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and moisture while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly..
• Coconut Milk: Brings creamy, luxurious texture and subtle tropical sweetness..
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Equipment for Chickpea Tikka Masala

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing onions and building the base of the tikka masala.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, jalapeños, ginger, and garlic with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise and quick vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning spices like garam masala and cumin.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for adding precise amounts of broth and coconut milk.

Cooking Chickpea Tikka Masala Made Easy

• Sizzling Onion Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Toss diced onions with sea salt, stirring until they become soft and translucent.

• Aromatic Spice Explosion

Add chopped jalapeños, ginger, and garlic. Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, curry powder, and paprika. Stir in tomato paste, letting the kitchen fill with tantalizing fragrances.

• Tomato Liquid Magic

Pour diced tomatoes and vegetable broth into the pot. Let the mixture bubble and dance, simmering gently to blend the vibrant flavors.

• Creamy Chickpea Finale

Introduce coconut milk and chickpeas to the simmering sauce. Warm everything together, creating a rich, comforting dish that promises to delight taste buds and warm souls.

Flavor Adjustments for Chickpea Tikka Masala

• Protein Power Boost: Swap chickpeas with grilled tofu, paneer, or chicken for a protein-packed alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by reducing or increasing jalapeños and cayenne pepper. For milder versions, remove jalapeño seeds before chopping.
• Creamy Texture Tricks: Use full-fat coconut milk for richer consistency or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter finish. Blend a portion of chickpeas to create a thicker sauce.
• Fresh Herb Magic: Garnish with chopped cilantro, mint, or green onions just before serving to add bright, fresh flavors and a pop of color.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day as spices continue to develop. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat for maximum flavor intensity.

How to Serve Chickpea Tikka Masala

• Cozy Comfort Companions
• Serve this tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice for a hearty and satisfying meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Herb Finish
• Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or mint on top to add a bright, fresh burst of flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Cooling Sidekick
• Pair with a side of cool cucumber raita or Greek yogurt to balance the warm spices and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's intensity.
• Bread Buddy
• Accompany with warm naan bread or soft pita to scoop up every last drop of the flavorful tikka masala sauce, making your meal interactive and enjoyable.

Keeping Chickpea Tikka Masala Fresh

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-sized containers for quick weeknight dinners. This tikka masala freezes beautifully and maintains rich flavor profiles for up to 3 months when stored in airtight containers.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chickpea tikka masala in sealed glass containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 4-5 days, with flavors deepening overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Techniques: Warm refrigerated portions gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent potential sauce separation.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Pair with different grains like quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for varied meal experiences. Garnish with fresh cilantro, yogurt, or roasted nuts when serving reheated portions to refresh the dish's appearance and taste.

Spicy Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chickpea tikka masala delight showcases Indian cuisine’s rich, aromatic profile with hearty plant-based protein. Spices blend harmoniously, delivering complex layers of flavor you will savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsps (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15 oz/425 g) cans diced fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 mL) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 mL) unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, diced (approximately 1.5 cup)
• 2 jalapeños, cored and finely chopped
• 4 inches fresh ginger, minced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
• Brown basmati rice
• Plain dairy-free yogurt
• Fresh cilantro
• Warm naan

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium flame. Add onions sprinkled with sea salt, stirring until they transform into a translucent, softened state. Incorporate jalapeños, ginger, and garlic, allowing these aromatics to release their vibrant essence for two minutes.
2. Spice Awakening: Introduce garam masala, cumin, curry powder, paprika, and cayenne into the fragrant base. Stir in tomato paste, toasting the spices to unlock their profound, intricate flavor profile. This technique deepens the dish’s complexity and aromatic intensity.
3. Liquid Harmony: Pour diced tomatoes and vegetable broth into the skillet, creating a robust liquid foundation. Elevate to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to reduce and concentrate flavors for ten minutes, developing a rich, layered sauce.
4. Creamy Fusion: Gently fold coconut milk and chickpeas into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking until the ingredients are thoroughly heated and perfectly melded, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that celebrates the dish’s intricate balance of spices and creaminess.

Notes

• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance; start with less and incrementally add for desired spiciness.
• Chickpea Preparation: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and achieve optimal texture in the final dish.
• Aromatics Optimization: Finely chop onions, ginger, and garlic to ensure even distribution and maximize flavor infusion throughout the sauce.
• Simmering Technique: Allow slow, gentle simmering to develop deep, complex flavor profiles and tenderize ingredients without losing their inherent nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg