Description
This Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that combines tender chickpeas with a fragrant blend of spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it’s packed with protein and spices, simmered to perfection in a skillet, and garnished with fresh cilantro. Serve it alongside rice or naan bread for a satisfying and wholesome vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Spices
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Add the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chickpeas and Dairy: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the coconut milk and plain Greek yogurt. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve the chickpea tikka masala warm, ideally with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
