Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan)
By Jessica Hylton -
- Updated
This Chickpea Tikka Masala is an incredibly easy & absolutely divine vegan version of the popular classic dish! It tastes deliciously indulgent while remaining healthy and makes large portions that are perfect for meal prep!
It’s safe to say that this Chickpea Tikka Masala will be a HIT on the blog. I’m calling it from now, for a few reasons.
One, wow, you guys have asked for Chickpea Tikka Masala for YEARS now. Two, it’s loosely based on my #1 recipe, Coconut Chickpea Curry. We all love Coconut Chickpea Curry, right?! The main differences are that this version was made to reflect the classic dish so the seasoning portions are a bit different and there’s a lot more emphasis on tomato here.
Three, I made this (obvi) and let me tell you – it’s a smashing hit. It’s a you gotta make this hit. It’s a “How does this taste exactly like our favourite takeout?!” – Gav, hit.
Tikka Masala vs Butter Cauliflower/Tofu
This Chickpea Tikka Masala has been a favourite in our house since the very first time I made it. The funny thing is, even though it was based on my Coconut Chickpea Curry, the flavours are SO different. The flavours are also so different from my Indian Butter Cauliflower and my Butter Tofu Chicken.
In the Chickpea Curry, the flavours are more garam-masala-y. In the ‘butter’ dishes, they lend to a more creamy indulgent side and are slightly sweet. In this Chickpea Tikka Masala, tomato and texture is king.
I challenge you to make all four variations and pick a favourite. You’ll love them all, and have incredible leftovers everyday! So, win win (win, and win), am I right?
How to Make Chickpea Tikka Masala
So here’s the run down. The key to making an incredible vegan version of Tikka Masala is to focus on the core flavours in the original. In this delicious vegan version, chickpeas replace chicken. Of course no one is trying to make chickpeas taste like chicken, but it yields an absolutely phenomenal tasting dish nonetheless. Chickpeas ensure you still get great protein in this dish, and they truly soak up the flavour in the sauce.
This Chickpea Tikka Masala is SO flavourful. I didn’t want any overwhelming seasonings, but instead wanted everything to enhance and complement the tomato flavour that’s so prevalent in Tikka Masala. I found that the fresh ginger, the tomato paste and a bit more curry than I usually use really did the trick.
Then, of course, the cream, which gives Tikka Masala that signature colour. I used coconut milk because it’s affordable, easy to find and doesn’t give the dish a coconut-y flavour. However, you could substitute a pourable cashew cream which would also be a great heavy cream substitute.
All in all this yields a dish that will perfume your entire kitchen and home with scents reminiscent of your favourite Indian takeout restaurant. Best of all, this dish makes such large portions that you’ll have plenty of leftovers.
You can even switch up how you enjoy it. Some nights I have it with naan, other with basmati rice, sometimes even in a roti wrap! Sometimes alone. No matter which way you serve it, I know you’ll love it. Eat up and enjoy friends!
Enjoy friends! If you make this Chickpea Tikka Masala, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much! P.S. – do you know that we have an entire blog dedicated to low carb recipes named Low Carb Vegan Recipes?! Be sure to check it out!
Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan)
This Chickpea Tikka Masala is an incredibly easy & absolutely divine version of the popular classic dish! It tastes deliciously indulgent while remaining healthy and mades large portions that are perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces jarred or canned or fresh tomato sauce
- 2 16 ounces/454g cans of chickpeas total of 32 ounces, drained
- 1 cup thick creamy coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar optional - to balance out the acidity
- juice of 1 lime about 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Instructions
- In a deep pot over medium high heat, add the coconut oil.
- Add in the onion, garlic, and ginger. Reduce to medium heat. Grind some sea salt and ground black pepper over the mixture and stir together. Saute until the onions are translucent and the ginger and garlic are fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add in the garam masala, curry powder, cumin and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Add in the tomato sauce, the chickpeas and the (optional) coconut sugar. Stir to combine. Bring the curry to a boil, and then reduce to medium-low so that the mixture continues to simmer for 8 to 10 more minutes. Cover slightly with lid but not completely to allow the steam and excess water to escape.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Allow to simmer for about 3 more minutes. Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper if you desire. Remove the curry from the heat and squeeze the lime over the top of the curry, stirring to combine. Don't skip this step!!
- Allow to cool slightly and then serve. Enjoy!
Video
NOTES
This recipe is vegan and gluten free.
*Many readers have asked and yes you can definitely used reduced fat coconut milk! You can even used boxed coconut milk if those calories suit you better.
HOW TO STORE: You can store this curry in an air-tight tupperware container in the fridge for up a week. It’s an excellent candidate for freezing and can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
A FEW NOTES:
1. This curry lasts for at least a week in the fridge as leftovers.
2. You can serve with whole wheat naan bread, basmati rice, or even crispy tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 491IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg
by Jessica
Delicious, simple and so perfect for meal prep! I can’t wait to try the other variations.
THIS WAS AMAZING! Don’t hate me but I used chicken instead of chickpeas and then only used one 15 oz tomato sauce but it was freaking fantastic. Will definitely be making several times a month! I can’t wait to eat my leftovers and lunch tomorrow, squeee!!
loved it, just used less tomato sauce!
I was nervous to make this Masala recipe based on a recipe that I tried (and failed) at years ago. Now, we are so happy that I gave it a go! Not only is it easy to make, it is so incredibly tasty. And, plenty for the two of us to have a nice dinner plus 2-3 lunches each for this week! I have already recommended this recipe to my friends and will definitely add it to my dinner/meal prep rotation!
Candi
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe, Candi! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a nice comment! We’re happy that you enjoyed our recipe after your past mishap!
Delicious, no changes, but I do ruff chop the chickpeas. I filled 5 old jelly jars and added quinoa at the bottom then fill it with the Chickpea Tikka Masala. Refrigerate, my easy work lunch for the week 🙂 Enjoyed
We’re so happy that you enjoyed it Lori! Thank you so much for your kind message!
As always your recipes hit the mark! Tasty, different, easy to make and sooo more-ish! My home smells amazing now too! Keep the recipes coming Jessica. You are now my “go-to” whenever I cook (which is a lot!!) Much love xx
Aww you’re so very sweet!! Thank you so much Louise!! <3 I will and much love to you too!!
Delicious!! We live out in a rural area without any good Indian restaurants and this cured a craving I’ve been having for MONTHS! It was way easier than I thought to make. Will definitely make again!