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Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala


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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy plant-based twist on a classic Indian favorite. Roasted chickpeas are tossed in a rich, spiced tomato-cashew sauce, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.


Ingredients

For Chickpea Tikka:

2 cups cooked chickpeas

23 garlic cloves, finely minced

½ inch ginger, finely minced

¾ tsp garam masala

½ tsp chili powder

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tbsp oil

Salt, to taste

For Tikka Masala Sauce:

1 small onion, cut into 8 pieces

4 medium tomatoes, quartered

23 whole garlic cloves

½ inch ginger, peeled and cut

¼ cup raw cashews

1 tsp cumin powder

1½ tsp coriander powder

2 tsp oil, divided

½ tsp chili powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 cup water

Salt, to taste


Instructions

  1. Roast the chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix chickpeas with minced garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, lemon juice, oil, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Stir, then roast another 10 minutes until crisp and golden.
  2. Prepare the sauce base: Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add tomatoes and cashews; cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Blend the sauce: Add cumin powder and coriander powder, then transfer mixture to a blender with 1 cup water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Heat the remaining 1 tsp oil in the same pan. Add chili powder and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the blended sauce, add garam masala and salt, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Combine and serve: Stir in the roasted chickpeas, cook for 2 minutes to absorb the sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

Use canned chickpeas for convenience; rinse and drain before roasting.

Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.

For extra heat, include a green chili or extra chili powder.

Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

This dish thickens as it cools; add a splash of water when reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasted and Simmered
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg