Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2024)

Home » Cuisine » Indian Inspired » Chickpea Tikka Masala

Jump to Recipe

Chickpea Tikka Masala – Dinner is on with this flavorful & saucy Indian-inspired vegan tikka masala recipe! It’s lusciously creamy and easy to make right at home in one pan with simple ingredients!

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (1)

This curry dish is another great addition to the vegan Indian recipes here on TSV! I don’t have nearly enough of them yet, but here’s one more and I know you’re going to enjoy it!

Table of Contents show

Why We Love This Recipe!

  • It’s all about the sauce and spices here, you’ll love how incredibly saucy and flavorful it is!
  • This chickpea tikka masala comes together in under an hour, which most of the time it’s just simmering away on the stove while you relax.
  • It’s a perfect comfort food served with rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa or with a side of vegan naan bread.
  • You can easily customize it by adding cauliflower florets, diced sweet potatoes and/or carrots for an even heartier, veggie packed meal.

Recipe adapted from Deb of Smitten Kitchen.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosurehere.

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2)

Ingredient Notes

In this recipe, we’ll make a delicious tomato curry sauce with chickpeas for a warm and comforting Indian Chickpea Curry.

Here’s everything you will need, including ideas on substituting ingredients:

  • Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans).Use 2 cans or 3 cups fresh cooked.
  • Tomato. Use canned diced tomatoes for ease, or 4 – 5 ripe tomatoes, diced. If you don’t care for chunks of tomato, use 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes.
  • Onion. The original recipe calls for 2 onions, but I found 1 large onion a little more favorable. Use 2 if you prefer.
  • Garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste.
  • Ginger.Fresh minced or grated ginger adds a nice zing.
  • Cumin Seeds. You can pick up a package of whole cumin seeds for a reasonable price in the Mexican section of your local grocery store, or you can find them bottled in the general spice section.
  • Garam Masala. Literally means warm spices, and is a blend of Indian spices such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves. It’s a wonderful blend that gives the dish so much flavor.
  • Turmeric. This yellow aromatic spice adds another layer of flavor.
  • Cayenne. Adjust the amount to your liking. I think 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne is a safe amount, but if you love heat use up to 1 teaspoon.
  • Coconut Milk. Full or low-fat.
  • Tomato Paste.
  • Oil.I’ve used light flavored olive oil, but coconut oil or your favorite oil will work. To make this oil-free, simply use 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth when sauteeing.
  • Salt. My favorite salt of all time is this Himalayan pink salt which contains essential minerals and trace elements that other salts don’t offer.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (3)

How To Make Chickpea Tikka Masala

Prepping the onions, ginger, and garlic is the hardest part, the rest is easy, requiring stirring occasionally and then a nice simmer.

Here’s a simplified rundown of the steps involved (note – the full printable recipe instructions are at the bottom of the post):

  • Saute the onions and cumin seeds in oil or water/broth, until onions are browned around the edges.
  • Toss in the ginger and garlic, cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the spices and cook until nice and fragrant.
  • Pour in the tomatoes and cook until they breakdown a bit, about 4 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste, chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

And now you’re ready to serve with a grain of choice!

Tips For The Best Tikka Masala Sauce

  • Don’t rush it. For the most intense and delicious sauce you’ll want to really let the onions cook down bringing out the sweetness.
  • Simmer, don’t boil. Make sure to simmer the masala over low heat to avoid the coconut milk from curdling.
  • Save the leftovers. Leftover chickpea tikka masala tastes phenomenal the next day because the spices have more to develop overnight.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (4)

How To Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Leftovers will keep for 5 – 6 days in the refrigerator, stored in a covered container.
  • Freezer: Chickpea Tikka Masala freezes well for up to 2 – 3 months! My favorite way to freeze soup is in these freezer safe meal prep containers. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags.
  • Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop or the microwave. It makes a great meal prep for the week with homemade Vegan Naan on the side for swiping up the juices.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a grain such as basmati rice, cilantro lime rice, brown rice or quinoa.
  • Pair with a side of vegan naan.
  • Add fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes and fresh chopped cilantro.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (5)

More Easy Recipes!

  • 30-Minute Chana Masala
  • West African Peanut Stew
  • Moroccan Pumpkin + Chickpea Stew
  • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Let me know if you make this chickpea tikka masala recipe!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

CHICKPEA TIKKA MASALA

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 51 reviews

Dinner is on with this flavorful Indian inspired Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe! It’s lusciously creamy and easy to make right at home in one pan with simple ingredients!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop, Simmer
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Indian

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4 cup water/broth
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 inch piece of ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander, optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 heaping teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/21 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
  • 2 cans (14oz) diced tomatoes, with juices (or 4 tomatoes chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cans (14oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz.) coconut milk (full or low fat – cream is ok too)

To Serve

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • grain of choice (rice, quinoa, couscous)
  • homemade vegan naan

Instructions

In a large pot, heat oil or water over medium heat, add onions and cumin seeds, cook for 5 – 7 minute, until onions are browned around the edges. Add the ginger and garlic, cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Add the garam masala, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne and cook for 1 – 2 two minutes, or until nice and fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes, until they breakdown a bit. Add tomato paste, chickpeas and coconut milk, stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Serve with rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa, couscous, or pair with vegan naan.

Serves 6

Notes

Optional add-ins: For a veggie filled meal add in one or more of the following with the chickpeas.

  • 1 sweet potato, diced into 1/4 – 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots

How To Store

  • Refrigerator: Store in covered containers for 5 – 6 days..
  • Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. I like storing in these freezer safe meal prep containers. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags.
  • Reheat: Re-warm on the stovetop or the microwave.

Recipe adapted from Deb of Smitten Kitchen.

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest,orRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2024)

FAQs

Can you use coconut milk instead of cream in tikka masala? ›

Chicken tikka masala is usually made with heavy cream, but I like to use coconut milk instead; its subtle sweetness works beautifully with the spices in the dish. Serve with steamed rice.

What is the difference between tikka masala and chana masala? ›

Chana masala is typically simmered on the stove until the chickpeas are tender. In contrast, tikka masala involves marinating and grilling the meat before adding it to the sauce. In terms of flavor, chana masala has a mild, earthy flavor. It is not typically as spicy as tikka masala, which can be hot and spicy.

What does chickpea curry contain? ›

About Chickpea Curry

Coconut Chickpea Curry is a simple & fast one pot Indian dish of curried chickpeas made with coconut milk, tomatoes and store-bought ground spices. That said, you can absolutely change up some of the flavors of this beautiful curry.

Can I use tikka masala sauce for chana masala? ›

ONE POT CHICKPEA CHANNA MASALA

Using jarred Tikka Masala simmer sauce and canned chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) helps save a lot of prep time. This meal also works well with other jarred simmer sauces like Madras Curry.

What happens if I use coconut cream instead of milk? ›

The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

What is a good substitute for cream in tikka masala? ›

So, instead of cream, I use yogurt and butter (cream's close cousin) to get that rich and velvety tomato gravy for my Chicken Tikka Masala. If you are one of those people who love cream in their Chicken Tikka, then swap out the yogurt and add it. It's all good.

Which is healthier butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Regarding nutrition, Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Butter Chicken has more fat and calories than Tikka Masala due to the use of cream and butter in the sauce. However, Tikka Masala has more sodium than Butter Chicken due to the use of canned tomato puree.

Are garam masala and tikka masala the same? ›

Tikka masala is pieces of meat or chicken marinated with spices, whereas garam masala is the term used for 'hot spices' that are not spicy but can keep the body warm. Garam masala powders may contain chilli and peppers, although they can be aromatic but are not spicy.

What is better than chicken tikka masala? ›

Butter chicken is a healthier option than tikka masala. Tikka masala has a shocking 400–500 calories per serving on average, but a serving of butter chicken may have 438 calories. If you're concerned with the amount of fat it has, you can always switch to low-fat substitutes for butter and heavy cream.

Why do vegans eat chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a nutritious source of plant-based protein and a healthy food to always have on-hand. They make plant-based eating easy and convenient. Chickpeas are a good source of protein. Chickpeas have fiber.

Is chickpea better than rice? ›

It has fewer calories, sodium, and carbs than white rice, as well as more fiber and more protein. It has three-times the protein, two-times the fiber, and nearly 30% fewer net carbs than brown rice, according to the company.

Is chickpea better than chicken? ›

Unlike chicken and other animal products, chickpeas contain absolutely no cholesterol. They're also a rich source of soluble fibre, which reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver and its absorption in the small intestine. A win-win for those with high cholesterol levels.

What's the difference between chickpea tikka masala and chickpea masala? ›

Tikka masala is a spiced meal comprised of tiny bits or chunks of meat and vegetables marinated in a spicy marinade or sauce, the most well-known is chicken tikka masala. Chana masala is a similar dish prepared using chickpeas (the chana).

What is the difference between tikka and tikka masala? ›

Tikka refers to grilled or roasted pieces of meat that are either marinated in yogurt or spiced water before being cooked on skewers. Masala refers to a sauce made with cream, yogurt, or tomatoes; or a mixture of spices used to flavor food.

What makes tikka masala taste good? ›

Tikka Masala is a tomato and cream-based sauce that's smoky from the chargrilled chicken, rich and creamy, with a slight sweetness and tanginess with mild heat (although we like it hot!) punctuated by earthy spices, ginger and garlic.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream in curry? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Can you use coconut milk instead of cream in a sauce? ›

4 Ingredients Dinner - Nothing more is required than pasta, coconut milk, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and some salt! Dairy & Gluten-Free - Use your favorite GF pasta to make this recipe gluten AND dairy free! The coconut milk acts as a replacement for heavy cream, making this creamy sauce just decadent.

Can you substitute coconut milk for heavy cream? ›

The fat content of coconut milk should be roughly that of a dairy-based heavy cream. So, when a recipe calls for heavy cream, you just make a one-to-one substitution with coconut milk – so long as the fat content matches up.

Does coconut cream curdle in curry? ›

Coconut milk is essential in the kitchen, especially if you cook Thai curries at lot. I have often found that it splits, even if the cooking temperature is low. The result still tastes lovely, but it doesn't look very appealing.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 5669

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.