Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan)

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!