What is Chickpea Tikka Masala?

Chickpea tikka masala is a flavorful, rich curry that substitutes chickpeas for the traditional chicken. The dish is rooted in Indian cuisine and is known for its combination of spices, tomatoes, and creamy elements like half-and-half or cashew cream. The dish is vegetarian, making it perfect for anyone looking for meatless options without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients 

• • • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

    • 2 carrots, thinly sliced

    • 1 teaspoon garam masala

    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

    • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger paste

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste

    • 1/2 medium fresh jalapeño, finely chopped

    • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

    • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

    • 1/4 teaspoon sugar

    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

    • 3/4 cup water (as needed)

    • 1/4 cup half-and-half

    • 1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro

    • 4 cups hot cooked basmati rice

Directions

Cooking the vegetables.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and carrots, cooking them until soft, which will take around 5 to 6 minutes. Once the veggies are cooked, add the garam masala, cumin, and black pepper. Stir to coat the veggies and spices, letting them boil until fragrant—approximately 30 seconds.

Adding the spices and pastes.

Add the tomato paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, and jalapeño to the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle. The heat from the jalapeño will give a slight flavor to the meal.

Simmering the chickpeas and sauce.

Next, add the chickpeas, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the chickpeas are well coated with the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to low and cover. Let it boil for approximately 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to mingle together.

Stir in 3/4 cup of water and half-and-half, then continue cooking on low for about 1 more minute. If you prefer a saucier consistency, feel free to add extra water.

Garnishing and serving.

Once the meal is heated, take it from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it over hot basmati rice for a full supper, and don’t forget to match it with naan bread to soak up the delectable sauce.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chickpea Tikka Masala

Customize the recipe. 

One of the nicest things about chickpea tikka masala is how easy it is to customize. You may add whatever veggies you prefer, like spinach, cauliflower, or bell peppers, for more taste and nutrients. You may also experiment with various beans, like kidney beans or black beans, if chickpeas aren’t your fave.

Adjusting Spice Levels.

If you want a milder meal, remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper before adding it to the mix. For extra spice, you can add additional cayenne pepper or even a hot chili to make the meal hotter.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Variations.

To make the recipe vegan, swap the half-and-half with cashew cream. To create cashew cream, mix 1 cup of soaked cashews with 1 cup of water until smooth. This will create a creamy mouthfeel without using dairy.

For a gluten-free version, make sure your spices and ingredients (such as the tomato paste and canned chickpeas) are labeled gluten-free.

What to Serve with Chickpea Tikka Masala.

The best way to enjoy chickpea tikka masala is by serving it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. This classic combo allows the rice to absorb up all the delicious sauce. For an even more fulfilling supper, serve it over warm naan bread to spoon up the curry.

You may also combine this meal with a crisp cucumber salad or any of the 10 Easy, Healthy Indian Side Dishes to Complete the Meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chickpea Tikka Masala.

After eating your chickpea tikka masala, you may want to save leftovers for later. Let the dish cool to room-temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a week.

To reheat, gently cook it in a pot over low heat. Add a little water or vegetable broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can You Freeze Chickpea Tikka Masala? 

Yes, you can freeze chickpea tikka masala. Allow it to cool fully, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep nicely in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove.

Chickpea Tikka Masala Nutrition Facts 

• • • 485 Calories
    • 10g Fat
    • 80g Carbohydrates
    • 22g Protein

It’s a full, nutritious dish that delivers a satisfying mix of protein and fiber from the chickpeas, along with the health benefits of spices like cumin and garam masala.

FAQ

1. Can I cook this meal without garam masala? 
Yes, you may substitute garam masala with other Indian spice mixes like curry powder; however, the flavor will alter somewhat.

2. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned? 
Fresh chickpeas may be used, but you’ll need to prepare them beforehand, which will take more time than using canned chickpeas.

3. Is chickpea tikka masala spicy? 
The amount of spiciness depends on how much jalapeño and cayenne pepper you add. You may alter the spiciness to suit your taste by adding fewer or no spicy ingredients.

4. Can I cook chickpea tikka masala in advance? 
Yes, chickpea tikka masala tastes even better the second day, since the flavors have more chance to mingle. Just put it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

5. Can I add cream for a fuller flavor? 
Yes, you may use cream instead of half-and-half if you like a richer, more decadent flavor. Cashew cream is an excellent dairy-free option.

6. How can I make this dish gluten-free? 
Ensure all ingredients, such as the spices and tomato paste, are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free naan or rice to complete the meal.

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