Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Chickpea Tikka Masala a popular vegetarian dish with tender chickpeas in a tomato based gravy. This easy to follow recipe combines a medley of spices for a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect over rice or with naan this dish is a delightful blend of creamy and spicy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Chickpea Marinade: (Chickpea Tikka Masala)
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For the Masala Sauce: (Chickpea Tikka Masala)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1/ In a bowl combine all the ingredients listed under “Chickpea Marinade.” Mix well and let the chickpeas marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour.
2/ In a large skillet or pot heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3/ Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4/ Stir in the cumin powder coriander powder, turmeric powder garam masala and paprika or chili powder. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes to release their flavors.
5/ Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the tomato mixture.
6/ Add the marinated chickpeas (along with any marinade) into the skillet. Mix well to coat the chickpeas with the masala sauce.
7/ Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and season with salt. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.
8/ Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick you can add a little water or more cream to achieve your desired consistency.
9/ Once the chickpeas are well cooked and the sauce has reached the desired consistency remove the skillet from heat.
Serving Chickpea Tikka Masala
Serve the Chickpea Tikka Masala over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your homemade Chickpea Tikka Masala a delectable and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s full of flavor!
Tips And Tricks To Help You Make The Best Chickpea Tikka Masala
Marination Matters: Marinate the chickpeas in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the chickpeas with flavor and helps tenderize them.
Yogurt Choice: Use plain yogurt for the marinade. Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt alternatives work well too.
Spice Balance: Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, increase the chili powder or paprika; if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount.
Creaminess Options: You can choose between heavy cream or coconut milk for the creamy element. Coconut milk adds a unique twist and makes it vegan-friendly.
Saute Onions Well: Sauté the onions until they are nicely caramelized before adding ginger-garlic paste. This brings out their sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Tomato Cookdown: Allow the crushed tomatoes to cook down until the oil starts to separate. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Simmer Gently: When simmering the chickpeas in the sauce, do so gently over medium low heat. This ensures the flavors meld together without overcooking the chickpeas.
Consistency Control: Adjust the sauce consistency by adding water or more cream as needed. Aim for a velvety and smooth texture.
Fresh Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color.
Pairing Options: Serve with steamed rice, fragrant basmati rice, or naan bread. These accompaniments complement the flavors and soak up the delicious sauce.
Experiment with Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added texture and nutrition.
Make Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add cooked chickpeas, and simmer until heated through.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Creative Variations: Customize the spice blend to your taste. You can also explore different types of legumes like lentils or even paneer (Indian cheese) instead of chickpeas.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with Chickpea Tikka Masala, and don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences!
Nutrition Facts
Chickpea Tikka Masala is a flavorful vegetarian or vegan dish made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans) cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy infused with a blend of Indian spices. Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition content for a typical serving of Chickpea Tikka Masala:
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 200-250 grams)
Calories Chickpea Tikka Masala
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-350 calories
Macronutrients
- Protein: Approximately 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 6-8 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 6-8 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4-6 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Sodium: Approximately 400-600 milligrams (varies based on seasoning)
- Potassium: Approximately 400-500 milligrams
- Calcium: Approximately 20-40 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 2-4 milligrams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific recipe, the type and amount of oil or vegan substitutes used for cooking, and the spices and seasonings included. Chickpea Tikka Masala is known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, which contributes to the overall calorie and fat content.
If you have a specific Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe in mind or are using a particular product, it’s best to refer to the nutrition label if available or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
