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    Watch What U Eat > Indian Recipes

    Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala

    Published: Feb 21, 2019 · Modified: Aug 4, 2022 by Watch What U Eat · This post may contain affiliate links · 47 Comments

    Recipe Video Print
    Enjoy authentic Indian flavors in this Healthy Chickpea Tikka Masala. Simple and easy vegetarian tikka masala recipe for a weeknight meal or to serve in a party. | #watchwhatueat #tikkamasala #chickpea #chickpeacurry #Indiancooking

    Enjoy authentic Indian flavors in this homemade healthy chickpea tikka masala. A perfect vegetarian dish for a weeknight meal or to serve at a party.

    Vegetarian chickpea tikka masala served over a bed of white rice and with whole wheat naan on the side.
    Jump to:
    • Key Ingredients
    • Recipe Substitutions/Variations
    • How To Make Restaurant-Style Chickpea Tikka Masala
    • Serving Suggestions!
    • Helpful tips!
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Unique Indian Recipes To Try
    • 📖 Recipe

    Have you ever tried tikka masala dishes in any Indian restaurant and wondered how they make it? Then you have come to the right place.

    Here I am sharing with you our all-time favorite chickpea tikka masala recipe.

    Usually, you will find paneer or chicken tikka masala in Indian restaurants. However, going out of the box, I make this recipe using chickpeas.

    Why chickpeas?

    Because chickpeas are among some of the perfect options for making a protein-rich meatless dish, and you still get all the authentic flavors in this recipe. I am sure you won't miss chicken or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in this dish.

    Let's get started.

    Toasted chickpeas dunked in creamy tomato authentic tikka sauce to make this easy restaurant-style healthy chickpea tikka masala.

    Key Ingredients

    • Chickpeas - you will need cooked chickpeas to prepare this dish. You can either cook them at home or use canned chickpeas.
    • Garlic and ginger - add raw ginger pieces and garlic cloves to the sauce. Use fresh garlic and ginger, it makes a lot of difference in the taste.
    • Onion and tomato - cut onion and tomato into thick pieces to prepare the gravy base.
    • Cashews - helps to thicken the sauce and make the dish creamy.
    • Spices - tikka masala sauce is rich in spices, so you will need garam masala (a classic blend of Indian spices), ground coriander, and ground cumin to add flavors. Additionally, use some chili powder to add some heat and nice color to the final dish.
    • Oil - Use your choice of cooking oil. I prefer using avocado or olive oil suitable for sauteing and grilling.

    Find the full list of ingredients and quantity in the recipe card below.

    Recipe Substitutions/Variations

    • Raw almonds - Use whole almonds instead of cashews to thicken the sauce. Add some water and then boil/blanch them in the microwave for 3 mins. This helps to loosen the skin. Allow them to cool down, remove the skin and then use these peeled almonds instead of cashews in the recipe.
    • Replace cashews - if you are allergic to nuts, use heavy whipping cream or whole milk to prepare the sauce base. Also, some readers have successfully made it with coconut milk.
    • Broth - use chicken or vegetable broth to prepare the sauce instead of water.
    • Use tofu/paneer - add grilled tofu/paneer tikka instead of roasted chickpeas.
    • Chicken - follow this chicken tikka masala recipe to make this dish using chicken.

    How To Make Restaurant-Style Chickpea Tikka Masala

    This recipe involves two steps:

    1. Making Roasted Chickpea Tikka

    a. In a medium mixing bowl, add cooked chickpeas. Mix them with oil, finely minced fresh garlic and ginger, garam masala, chili powder, and lemon juice. Also, add salt to taste.

    Raw chickpeas marinated with authentic Indian spices in a large white ceramic bowl.

    b. Bake these spiced chickpeas in a preheated oven to develop the roasted taste.

    Roasted chickpeas in a baking tray after baking.
    Roasted chickpeas after baking

    2. Preparing authentic tikka masala sauce

    a. To prepare the sauce, cook onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, and raw cashews in oil. In the end, add ground cumin and ground coriander.

    Diced onion, tomato and raw cashews in a large skillet before cooking.
    Diced onion, tomato and raw cashews in a large skillet after sautéing.

    b. Blend this masala base with little water in a blender to a smooth puree.

    Sautéed onion and tomato mixture in a blender jar.
    Pureed sautéed onion and tomato in a blender jar.

    c. Fry some chili powder in oil in the frying pan and add the prepared onion-tomato puree. If you do not want to use chili powder, skip this step and add puree directly to the pan.

    Process of frying some chili powder in oil in a skillet.
    Cooking pureed onion and tomato mixture in a skillet.

    d. Finally, add some garam masala and salt according to taste. Once the sauce is ready, add toasted chickpeas. Mix well and serve warm. Find detailed step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.

    Cooking pureed onion and tomato mixture with garam masala in a skillet.
    Chickpea tikka masala in a skillet with a serving spoon.

    Serving Suggestions!

    • Serve it with simple wheat flatbread (Indian chapati), homemade naan bread, and/or plain white rice with sliced cucumbers and onion on the side for a wholesome meal.
    • Add it to the party menu along with whole wheat naan, vegetarian biryani or chicken biryani, rice pulao, homemade mango lassi, etc.
    Chickpea tikka masala garnished with fresh cilantro in a serving bowl and served with whole wheat naan, plain rice, and cucumber slices on the side.

    Helpful tips!

    • Do not use overcooked chickpeas in this recipe. Preferably cook chickpeas at home. Just soak them for a few hours and cook until tender yet firm. You can also use canned chickpeas--just make sure they are not too soft to break easily. I use my Instant Pot to cook raw chickpeas. It takes 5-6 minutes to cook if chickpeas are soaked and about 40 minutes otherwise (without soaking).
    • Use fresh tomatoes to make the sauce. It gives a nice fresh taste to the dish.
    • This dish is dairy-free or vegan. However, you can cheat and add a little heavy whipping cream at the end of cooking if you want to make the dish richer in taste.
    Enjoy authentic Indian flavors in this Healthy Chickpea Tikka Masala. Simple and easy vegetarian tikka masala recipe for a weeknight meal or to serve in a party. | #watchwhatueat #tikkamasala #chickpea #chickpeacurry #Indiancooking

    Recipe FAQs

    How to store and use leftovers?

    Let the leftover tikka masala cool down completely, then store it in the air-tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
    Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave until steamy hot. Serve warm.

    Can I freeze this chickpea masala?

    Yes, freeze the leftovers in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to one month. However, I always prefer using it while it is fresh.

    How can I get the rich orange color as in the photos?

    Deep red-colored tomatoes and chili powder give a rich orange color to this dish. You can also add a bit of concentrated tomato paste to enhance the color.

    Can I use coconut milk?

    Yes, you can add some coconut milk to give a creamy texture to the sauce.

    More Unique Indian Recipes To Try

    • One Pot Easy Palak Paneer Rice or Healthy Spinach Rice | Indian palak paneer turned into one pot rice dish. #spinach #palakpaneer #healthyrecipes
      One Pot Easy Palak Paneer Rice
    • Protein Rich Easy Coconut Chickpea Curry | Vegan, Gluten Free
    • One pot easy vegetable biryani. Healthy and nutritious | watchwhatueat.com
      One Pot Easy Vegetable Biryani
    • Naan bread vegan wraps filled with toasted chickpeas. This wrap is healthy and filling. No naans... then replace with pita or soft tacos.
      Vegan Chickpea Naan Wraps

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

    📖 Recipe

    Toasted chickpeas dunked in creamy tomato authentic tikka sauce to make this easy restaurant-style healthy chickpea tikka masala.
    Print Pin
    4.71 from 37 votes

    Vegetarian Chickpea Tikka Masala

    Toasted chickpeas dunked in creamy tomato tikka sauce to make this authentic and restaurant-style healthy chickpea tikka masala.
    Course: Lunch / Dinner,Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian,Indian Inspired
    Diet Gluten Free,Low Fat,Vegan,Vegetarian
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings :4
    Calories :268kcal
    Author:Swati Kadam Gulati

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    Equipment

    • Large Baking Sheet

    Ingredients

    For Chickpea Tikka

    • 2 cup chickpeas cooked
    • 2-3 garlic cloves finely minced
    • ½" ginger finely minced
    • ¾ teaspoon garam masala
    • ½ tsp  chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ tablespoon oil
    • salt to taste

    For Tikka Masala Sauce

    • 1 small onion cut in 8 pieces
    • 4 medium tomatoes cut in quarters
    • 2-3 garlic whole cloves
    • ½" ginger peeled and cut into 2-3 pieces
    • ¼ cup raw cashews
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon coriander powder
    • 2 teaspoon oil divided
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 cup water
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    Roasted Chickpea Tikka

    • Preheat oven to 400 F.
    • In a medium mixing bowl add and mix all the ingredients listed under Chickpea Tikka above. Spread it evenly on a nonstick baking tray.
    • Bake the chickpeas in preheated oven for 10 min. Using a spatula stir them and again continue baking for 10 more min.

    Tikka Masala Sauce

    • Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large frying pan or skillet. Add whole garlic cloves, ginger, and onion. Cook the onion until translucent for 2-3 min.
    • Then add tomatoes and raw cashews. Cook them until tomato softens and gives sauce like consistency for about 4-5 min. 
    • Now add cumin powder and coriander powder. Mix well and transfer this mixture to the blender jar, add 1 cup water and blend until smooth and creamy.
    • Heat remaining oil in the frying pan on low heat. Add chili powder and cook it slightly until fragrant.
    • Add blended tomato mixture and bring it to boil.
    • Now add garam masala and salt to taste. Mix well and simmer (cover with lid) on low heat for 5 min.
    • Finally, add roasted chickpeas, garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Use vegetable or chicken broth (or stock) instead of water to prepare the sauce.
    2. You can add a little more water if you do not want the sauce to be too thick for your liking.
    3. Use freshly ground roasted cumin and coriander seeds powder whenever possible. It really adds an amazing aroma and flavor to the dish. I usually roast around 1 teaspoon cumin and 2 teaspoon coriander seeds (for this recipe) together in a frying pan. And using a stone molcajete, I crush the roasted seeds into powder.
    4. For more useful tips, see the Helpful Tips section above.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 268kcal
    Tried this recipe?Tag us on Instagram @watchwhatueat or tag #watchwhatueat! OR leave us a comment & rating below. Your feedback is very important to us.
     
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    About Watch What U Eat

    We are Swati and Tushar, our passion for food and cooking has now led us to share some healthy, tasty recipes and the benefits of eating certain ingredients with the goal of inspiring you to eat well and live well.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.71 from 37 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jacquie Jonsen says

      November 16, 2024 at 10:28 pm

      4 stars
      Made this for dinner tonight. Took note of the other comments and doubled the spice because my daughter and I like our food spicy. It was delicious. Thanks very much for posting.

      Reply
    2. Leslie Pierce says

      April 03, 2024 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      We love this recipe! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    3. Myranda Baker says

      September 12, 2023 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      A new favorite. I doubled the spices. Lovely recipe. Fit for company.

      Reply
    4. Brontë says

      August 28, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      WOW.
      This recipe exceeded my expectations! Absolutely delicious, and pretty simple. I could eat this every day.

      Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Emily says

      August 23, 2022 at 11:20 pm

      4 stars
      I found that this was a good starting base recipe but I made a few modifications since I like it to be a bit more spice-y and didn't have cashews in my pantry. This is definitely being added to my rolodex of meals. 🙂

      - Substituted the cashews (and the creaminess they would provide) for 1/2 cup of greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of milk. It gave it a slightly more tangy flavor but I liked that and it also provided some creaminess/thickness.
      - Doubled all the spices in the sauce. I'm used to a heavier use of spices in my food and when I initially made this with the provided measurements, I found that it was quite light in its' flavors. This may not work for everyone, but don't be afraid to double up! 🙂
      - Instead of plain water and salt, I mixed in the cup of water with tomato & chicken bouillon. It still provided the salt but with a bit more flavor to the sauce overall.
      - I added 1 teaspoon of turmeric, mainly to get a brighter color.

      Reply
      • Chelsey says

        June 27, 2023 at 5:19 pm

        I also wound up doubling all of the seasonings, and subbed use most of the fresh ingredients with dried (I used onion powder in place of onions, for instance) because I made this on a whim and didn’t have them. Also subbed tomatoes with tomato juice. Hadn’t thought of yogurt for creaminess, that’s a good idea! I just didn’t add cashews and it turned out perfectly fine.

        I’ve tried a few chana masala recipes and this is the best one I’ve had so far!

        Reply
        • Chelsey says

          June 27, 2023 at 5:20 pm

          5 stars
          *subbed most

          Don’t know how “use” got in there. 😅

          Reply
    6. Katie says

      August 07, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      I am super excited to try this recipe! One question though: I have some tikka masala spice in my cabinet. Could I use that instead of the garam masala in this recipe? My knowledge of these spices is currently almost zero 😅

      Reply
      • Watch What U Eat says

        August 10, 2021 at 9:44 am

        Hi Katie, Tikka masala spice should also work in this recipe.

        Reply
        • Denise says

          November 29, 2022 at 11:47 am

          5 stars
          Family loves it

          Reply
    7. Dave G says

      July 29, 2021 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      I added about 1/8 tsp. of chilli powder to both the chickpeas and the sauce which brought some nice heat to the dish. Also had to sub in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes for the tomato portion since I didn't have any fresh. My kids who can be fairly picky eaters loved it. Three of us had no problems polishing it off, need to possibly double next time to have leftovers.

      Reply
    8. Debra Cochran says

      July 10, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious! I will put this in my favorite recipe folder. Great comfort food. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Laurie says

      March 18, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      4 stars
      Made this tonight for dinner and it was really good! Served it with some naan bread. I did only 4 stars because it didn't make much for a family of 4. I was hoping for some leftovers.

      Reply
    10. Megan Gleeson says

      February 24, 2021 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      Love the sound of this recipe! Going to make it tonight. However, I have a nut allergy and don’t like coconut milk, is there anything I can use as an alternative? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Watch What U Eat says

        February 24, 2021 at 11:13 am

        Hi Megan, you can use dairy cream instead.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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