This Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala is a comforting and flavorful dish made with chickpeas simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for serving over rice or with naan.

Ingredients

• Base Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Spices:
• 1½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Main Ingredients:
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 14-ounce can tomato sauce or puree
• 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• Optional: ¼ cup water (to adjust consistency)
• For Serving:
• Cooked basmati rice or quinoa
• Vegan naan
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Spices:

• Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes to toast the spices.

Combine Main Ingredients:

• Pour in the tomato sauce and coconut milk. Add the drained chickpeas and stir until everything is well combined.
• If the sauce is too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency.

Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the tikka masala and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or spices.

Serve:

• Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with vegan naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips

• For added flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular tomato sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• This dish can be made in advance and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Variations of Chickpea Tikka Masala

1. Vegetable Tikka Masala: Add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
2. Mushroom Tikka Masala: Incorporate mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
3. Sweet Potato Tikka Masala: Substitute chickpeas with cubed sweet potatoes for a sweeter, hearty dish.
4. Creamy Cashew Tikka Masala: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy sauce instead of coconut milk.
5. Spicy Tikka Masala: Add more cayenne pepper or fresh green chilies to increase the heat level.

Making Chickpea Tikka Masala Spicier

• Increase Spices: Add more garam masala, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the dish.
• Fresh Chilies: Incorporate finely chopped fresh green chilies or jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
• Chili Paste or Sauce: Stir in chili paste or hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick.

Alternative Milk Options Instead of Coconut Milk

• Almond Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version, though it may not be as creamy.
• Soy Milk: Unsweetened soy milk can also work well but might slightly alter the flavor.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a rich and creamy alternative.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Chickpea Tikka Masala

1. Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2. Naan Bread: Serve with vegan naan for scooping up the tikka masala.
3. Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve over quinoa which adds protein and fiber.
4. Raita: A cooling cucumber raita made with vegan yogurt complements the spices well.
5. Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad can provide freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Making Chickpea Tikka Masala in a Slow Cooker

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add chickpeas, tomato sauce, coconut milk, and spices to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

These variations and tips will help you customize your Chickpea Tikka Masala experience to suit your taste preferences!

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala as a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!