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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes The star of this dish is the chickpeas. They add protein and texture. I use canned chickpeas for quick prep. The coconut milk and diced tomatoes give a creamy base. The onions, garlic, and ginger provide a flavor kick. - 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend - 1 teaspoon garam masala - Sea salt, to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice The tikka masala spice blend brings warmth and depth. Garam masala adds a sweet note. Sea salt enhances all the flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or quinoa for serving I love garnishing with fresh cilantro. It adds color and freshness. Serve the tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice or quinoa. This makes for a satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Sautéing Onions Start with a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 large, finely chopped onion. Stir it often. Cook until the onion turns translucent and golden. This should take about 5 minutes. - Adding Garlic and Ginger Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated fresh ginger. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes. You will smell a wonderful aroma as they cook. - Toasting the Tikka Masala Now, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of tikka masala spice blend. Keep stirring for about 1 minute. This toasts the spices and brings out their flavors. - Combining Tomatoes and Coconut Milk Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of creamy coconut milk. Stir well until mixed. Raise the heat a bit and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together. - Folding in Chickpeas Gently fold in 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Make sure they get well coated in the sauce. - Simmering to Thicken the Sauce Lower the heat and let the chickpea mixture simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. This will let the sauce thicken nicely. Perfecting Spice Toasting Toasting spices brings out their best taste. Start by heating the oil, then add the tikka masala spice blend. Stir it for about one minute. This simple step boosts the flavor of your dish. Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Always taste your dish as you cook. Add sea salt one pinch at a time. If you want more zing, try fresh lemon juice. Each person has different tastes, so make it yours. Pairing with Rice or Quinoa Serve chickpea tikka masala over basmati rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the tasty sauce. This combination makes every bite satisfying and filling. Garnishing for Presentation Add fresh cilantro on top before serving. This not only looks good but adds flavor too. A great garnish makes the dish pop and feel special. Overlooking Simmering Time Let the dish simmer long enough. This helps the flavors blend well. If you rush, the sauce may taste flat and bland. Ignoring Ingredients Quality Always use fresh ingredients. The better the onion, garlic, and spices, the tastier your dish. Don't skip on quality; it makes a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic for a more vibrant flavor. Pre-packaged versions can lose potency and affect the dish’s overall taste. Perfect Simmer: Allow the dish to simmer gently; this helps the flavors meld without burning the sauce. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking. Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes when you add the tikka masala spices for an extra kick. Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t skip this step for a fresh finish! {{image_4}} Using Other Legumes You can swap chickpeas for other legumes. Black beans or lentils work well. They add unique flavors and textures. Each option brings its own charm to the dish. Try red lentils for a softer bite or black beans for a heartier feel. Incorporating Vegetables Adding vegetables makes this dish more colorful and nutritious. You can use spinach, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you mix in the tomatoes and coconut milk. This boosts the dish's flavor and adds vitamins. Adjusting Spice Levels You can control the spice level to suit your taste. If you prefer milder flavors, use less tikka masala. For a stronger kick, add more. Experimenting with the spice blend can make each meal unique and fun. Adding Heat with Chilis If you love heat, try adding chilis. Fresh green chilis can be chopped and added at the start. Dried red chili flakes are also great for a quick boost. Add them in small amounts and taste as you go. Ensuring the Recipe is Allergy-Friendly This dish is naturally gluten-free and nut-free. You can enjoy it safely if you have allergies. Just be sure to check any added ingredients for allergens. This way, you can savor every bite without worry. Substituting Ingredients Safely If you need to make substitutions, do so carefully. Use vegetable broth instead of stock if needed. Coconut milk adds creaminess, but you can use oat or soy milk as alternatives. Always check labels to avoid allergens. To keep your chickpea tikka masala fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavors and texture. Place the container in the fridge right after cooling it down. The dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly. Chickpea tikka masala can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge for several hours or overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave, heating it in 1-minute intervals until warm. For easy meals, prep your chickpea tikka masala ahead of time. You can make a big batch and store it in portions. This way, you have quick meals ready to go. Use small containers to keep each portion separate. This makes reheating simple and fast. Plus, it helps with portion control! Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. They require more prep time. Here's how to get them ready: - Soak the Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Cover them with water. Soak overnight. This softens them. - Cook the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a pot, add fresh water. Boil them for 1 to 2 hours. Check for softness. - Use in the Recipe: Once soft, you can use them in the chickpea tikka masala. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Here’s how to confirm: - Chickpeas: Naturally gluten-free. - Coconut Milk: Pure coconut milk is gluten-free. - Spices: Most spices do not contain gluten. Always check labels. - Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Both are gluten-free. You can easily add more heat and flavor. Here are some ideas: - Chili Powder: Add a pinch of chili powder when cooking the onions. - Fresh Chilis: Chop fresh green or red chilis. Stir them in with the garlic. - Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat. - Spicy Tikka Masala: Use a spicy tikka masala blend for a bolder taste. These tips will help you create a more exciting dish! This blog post showed how to make vegan chickpea tikka masala. You learned about the key ingredients, like chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices. I walked you through cooking steps and shared tips for best results. You explored variations and learned how to store leftovers. In closing, this dish is rich in flavor and easy to make. Enjoy your tasty creation!

Chickpea Tikka Masala

A flavorful and creamy chickpea dish cooked in a spiced coconut milk sauce, perfect for serving over rice or quinoa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • to taste sea salt
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • cooked basmati rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and golden, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, stirring continuously for another 2 minutes until their aroma fills the kitchen.
  • Sprinkle in the tikka masala spice blend, continuously stirring for about 1 minute. This will help to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and creamy coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Increase the heat slightly and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, which will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Gently fold in the drained chickpeas, ensuring they are well coated in the rich sauce. Lower the heat and let the chickpea mixture simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to enable the sauce to thicken.
  • Stir in the garam masala and fresh lemon juice, and season with sea salt to taste. Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to deepen the flavors, stirring occasionally.
  • After removing the skillet from heat, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes to rest. Serve the chickpea tikka masala over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa, garnished generously with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword chickpeas, coconut milk, tikka masala, vegan