Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2024)

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Chickpea Tikka Masala – Dinner is on with this flavorful & saucy Indian-inspired vegan tikka masala recipe! It’s lusciously creamy and easy to make right at home in one pan with simple ingredients!

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (1)

This curry dish is another great addition to the vegan Indian recipes here on TSV! I don’t have nearly enough of them yet, but here’s one more and I know you’re going to enjoy it!

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Why We Love This Recipe!

  • It’s all about the sauce and spices here, you’ll love how incredibly saucy and flavorful it is!
  • This chickpea tikka masala comes together in under an hour, which most of the time it’s just simmering away on the stove while you relax.
  • It’s a perfect comfort food served with rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa or with a side of vegan naan bread.
  • You can easily customize it by adding cauliflower florets, diced sweet potatoes and/or carrots for an even heartier, veggie packed meal.

Recipe adapted from Deb of Smitten Kitchen.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosurehere.

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2)

Ingredient Notes

In this recipe, we’ll make a delicious tomato curry sauce with chickpeas for a warm and comforting Indian Chickpea Curry.

Here’s everything you will need, including ideas on substituting ingredients:

  • Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans).Use 2 cans or 3 cups fresh cooked.
  • Tomato. Use canned diced tomatoes for ease, or 4 – 5 ripe tomatoes, diced. If you don’t care for chunks of tomato, use 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes.
  • Onion. The original recipe calls for 2 onions, but I found 1 large onion a little more favorable. Use 2 if you prefer.
  • Garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste.
  • Ginger.Fresh minced or grated ginger adds a nice zing.
  • Cumin Seeds. You can pick up a package of whole cumin seeds for a reasonable price in the Mexican section of your local grocery store, or you can find them bottled in the general spice section.
  • Garam Masala. Literally means warm spices, and is a blend of Indian spices such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves. It’s a wonderful blend that gives the dish so much flavor.
  • Turmeric. This yellow aromatic spice adds another layer of flavor.
  • Cayenne. Adjust the amount to your liking. I think 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne is a safe amount, but if you love heat use up to 1 teaspoon.
  • Coconut Milk. Full or low-fat.
  • Tomato Paste.
  • Oil.I’ve used light flavored olive oil, but coconut oil or your favorite oil will work. To make this oil-free, simply use 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth when sauteeing.
  • Salt. My favorite salt of all time is this Himalayan pink salt which contains essential minerals and trace elements that other salts don’t offer.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (3)

How To Make Chickpea Tikka Masala

Prepping the onions, ginger, and garlic is the hardest part, the rest is easy, requiring stirring occasionally and then a nice simmer.

Here’s a simplified rundown of the steps involved (note – the full printable recipe instructions are at the bottom of the post):

  • Saute the onions and cumin seeds in oil or water/broth, until onions are browned around the edges.
  • Toss in the ginger and garlic, cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the spices and cook until nice and fragrant.
  • Pour in the tomatoes and cook until they breakdown a bit, about 4 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste, chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

And now you’re ready to serve with a grain of choice!

Tips For The Best Tikka Masala Sauce

  • Don’t rush it. For the most intense and delicious sauce you’ll want to really let the onions cook down bringing out the sweetness.
  • Simmer, don’t boil. Make sure to simmer the masala over low heat to avoid the coconut milk from curdling.
  • Save the leftovers. Leftover chickpea tikka masala tastes phenomenal the next day because the spices have more to develop overnight.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (4)

How To Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Leftovers will keep for 5 – 6 days in the refrigerator, stored in a covered container.
  • Freezer: Chickpea Tikka Masala freezes well for up to 2 – 3 months! My favorite way to freeze soup is in these freezer safe meal prep containers. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags.
  • Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop or the microwave. It makes a great meal prep for the week with homemade Vegan Naan on the side for swiping up the juices.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a grain such as basmati rice, cilantro lime rice, brown rice or quinoa.
  • Pair with a side of vegan naan.
  • Add fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes and fresh chopped cilantro.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (5)

More Easy Recipes!

  • 30-Minute Chana Masala
  • West African Peanut Stew
  • Moroccan Pumpkin + Chickpea Stew
  • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Let me know if you make this chickpea tikka masala recipe!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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CHICKPEA TIKKA MASALA

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 52 reviews

Dinner is on with this flavorful Indian inspired Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe! It’s lusciously creamy and easy to make right at home in one pan with simple ingredients!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop, Simmer
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Indian

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4 cup water/broth
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 inch piece of ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander, optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 heaping teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/21 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
  • 2 cans (14oz) diced tomatoes, with juices (or 4 tomatoes chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cans (14oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz.) coconut milk (full or low fat – cream is ok too)

To Serve

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • grain of choice (rice, quinoa, couscous)
  • homemade vegan naan

Instructions

In a large pot, heat oil or water over medium heat, add onions and cumin seeds, cook for 5 – 7 minute, until onions are browned around the edges. Add the ginger and garlic, cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Add the garam masala, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne and cook for 1 – 2 two minutes, or until nice and fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes, until they breakdown a bit. Add tomato paste, chickpeas and coconut milk, stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Serve with rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa, couscous, or pair with vegan naan.

Serves 6

Notes

Optional add-ins: For a veggie filled meal add in one or more of the following with the chickpeas.

  • 1 sweet potato, diced into 1/4 – 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots

How To Store

  • Refrigerator: Store in covered containers for 5 – 6 days..
  • Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. I like storing in these freezer safe meal prep containers. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags.
  • Reheat: Re-warm on the stovetop or the microwave.

Recipe adapted from Deb of Smitten Kitchen.

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Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Vegan, Dairy Free & Oil-Free Option (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan tikka masala made of? ›

Whisk together vegan yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Toss in pressed extra firm tofu that has been cut in to bite sized chunks or cubes or alternatively use vegan chicken and mix well.

Can you use coconut milk instead of cream in tikka masala? ›

Chicken tikka masala is usually made with heavy cream, but I like to use coconut milk instead; its subtle sweetness works beautifully with the spices in the dish. Serve with steamed rice.

What is the difference between tikka masala and chana masala? ›

Chana masala is typically simmered on the stove until the chickpeas are tender. In contrast, tikka masala involves marinating and grilling the meat before adding it to the sauce. In terms of flavor, chana masala has a mild, earthy flavor. It is not typically as spicy as tikka masala, which can be hot and spicy.

What does chickpea curry contain? ›

About Chickpea Curry

Coconut Chickpea Curry is a simple & fast one pot Indian dish of curried chickpeas made with coconut milk, tomatoes and store-bought ground spices. That said, you can absolutely change up some of the flavors of this beautiful curry.

What can I use instead of chicken in tikka masala? ›

The key to making an incredible vegan tikka masala is to focus on the core flavors in the original version. So, in this recipe, chickpeas replace chicken. Of course, no one is trying to make chickpeas taste like chicken, but they yield an absolutely phenomenal-tasting dish, nonetheless.

What is plant-based chicken tikka? ›

Ingredients for Vegan Chicken Tikka - Tomato, Onion, Water, Vegetable Oil, Soya, Chilli Kashmiri, Salt, Ginger, Garlic, Chilli Powder, Veg Broth, Sugar, Garam Masala, Coriander Powder, Cumin Seed, Turmeric Powder. Ingredients for Rice - Water, Basmati Rice, Salt.

What is a substitute for yogurt in tikka masala? ›

Ingredients and substitues for the homemade tikka masala

Greek yogurt: If you don't like Greek yogurt, use plain whole milk. For a dairy-free option, you may use almond or coconut milk. Fresh lemon juice: Do not use botteled lemon juice unless you have no other choice. Garlic and ginger: use fresh, not powder.

What happens if I use coconut cream instead of milk? ›

The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream in tikka masala? ›

Depends on what taste you're trying to achieve with yogurt. If it is a sour taste you want, you can use tomatoes instead of yogurt. If you are looking to make the curry mildly spicy and creamy, you may use milk/cream instead. If you like to just make the curry mild, you may use coconut milk.

Which is healthier butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Regarding nutrition, Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Butter Chicken has more fat and calories than Tikka Masala due to the use of cream and butter in the sauce. However, Tikka Masala has more sodium than Butter Chicken due to the use of canned tomato puree.

Are garam masala and tikka masala the same? ›

Tikka masala is pieces of meat or chicken marinated with spices, whereas garam masala is the term used for 'hot spices' that are not spicy but can keep the body warm. Garam masala powders may contain chilli and peppers, although they can be aromatic but are not spicy.

Is paneer masala the same as tikka masala? ›

Paneer Tikka Masala is a North Indian dish of grilled paneer (Indian cheese) served in a spicy gravy known as Tikka masala. It is a vegetarian version of the world famous Chicken Tikka Masala.

Why do vegans eat chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a nutritious source of plant-based protein and a healthy food to always have on-hand. They make plant-based eating easy and convenient. Chickpeas are a good source of protein. Chickpeas have fiber.

Why are chickpeas good for vegans? ›

Chickpeas are what's known as a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids, which are building blocks that help our bodies function properly. “Chickpeas are also an excellent source of non-animal protein,” Lane adds. “They're great for vegetarians and vegans.”

Is chickpea better than Rice? ›

Well, pulses like chickpeas are low in the essential amino acid methionine, and anti-nutritional factors in chickpeas can also influence methionine bioavailability in the body. On the flip side, rice contains higher amounts of methionine that is more bioavailable.

What is tikka masala sauce made of? ›

Tikka masala is a tomato and cream (either in the form of heavy cream, yogurt or cashews) based sauce with lots of traditional Indian spices, including ginger, turmeric and red chili powder (to give it that quintessential orange-hue), garam masala, coriander and cumin. It is slightly sweet and earthy in flavor.

Do vegans eat coconut milk? ›

Yes, coconut milk is vegan, making it a great alternative to dairy for those on a plant-based diet. So the next time you're in the mood for a co*cktail, you don't have to shun the Pina Coladas. Looking for some vegan milk recommendations?

What Indian sauces are vegan? ›

  • Balti Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.
  • Dhansak Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.
  • Jalfrezi Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.
  • Rogan Josh Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.
  • Malay Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.
  • Thai Green Curry Sauce. 475g Pot. £4.50.

Is masala usually vegan? ›

Tikka masala, most commonly made with chicken, is a curry which is sometimes also called butter chicken. You're not as likely to find vegetarian tikka masala since it's typically made with meat, but if a vegetable or legume-based tikka masala is offered, skip this dish.

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