Chickpea tikka masala

Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chickpea tikka masala is a delicious and flavorful vegetarian dish that is perfect for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

History

Chickpea tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a vegetarian version of the traditional chicken tikka masala, which is a creamy and spicy curry dish. The chickpeas in this dish provide a hearty and satisfying texture, making it a great option for those looking for a meatless meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp coconut oil
0.5 red onion, diced
0.5 tbsp fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp garam masala
1.5 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp cumin
1.5 tbsp tomato paste
28 oz (794 g) jarred or canned or fresh tomato sauce
2 16 oz (454 g) cans of chickpeas (total of 32 oz (907 g)), drained
1 cup thick creamy coconut milk
juice of 1 lime (about 1 tbsp)
Optional: 2 tsp coconut sugar

How to prepare

In a deep pot over medium-high heat, add the coconut oil.
Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Reduce the heat to medium.
Season the mixture with sea salt and ground black pepper, then stir together. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the ginger and garlic are fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the garam masala, curry powder, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Add the tomato sauce, chickpeas, and optional coconut sugar. Stir to combine. Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer for 8 to 10 more minutes. Cover partially with a lid to allow steam and excess water to escape.
Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 3 more minutes. Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat and squeeze lime juice over the top, stirring to combine. Add coconut sugar if desired.
Allow the curry to cool slightly, then serve.
Enjoy!

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to this dish for added nutrition and flavor. You can also add tofu or paneer for a different protein option.

Notes

Definitely don't skip the lime! That acidity is really required for the flavors. I also liked this served with jasmine rice with a few sweet peas mixed in.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until they are fragrant and translucent to bring out their flavors.

- Adjust the spices to your liking - if you prefer a spicier dish, add more curry powder or garam masala.

- Be sure to taste the curry before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend some of the chickpeas with the coconut milk before adding them to the curry.

Serving Suggestions

Chickpea tikka masala is best served over steamed rice or with naan bread on the side. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious chickpea tikka masala is to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until they are fragrant and translucent. This will help to bring out their flavors and create a delicious base for the curry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coconut oil, you can use vegetable oil or ghee instead. You can also use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas, just be sure to drain and rinse them before using.

Make Ahead Tips

Chickpea tikka masala can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish chickpea tikka masala with fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Chickpea tikka masala pairs well with a side of basmati rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Chickpea tikka masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chickpea tikka masala contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chickpea tikka masala contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chickpea tikka masala contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chickpea tikka masala contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpea tikka masala is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may not be suitable for those with coconut allergies.

Summary

Chickpea tikka masala is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Summary

Chickpea tikka masala is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that is perfect for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. With its rich and flavorful curry sauce, tender chickpeas, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chickpea Tikka Masala. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Patel, who had recently moved to our neighborhood from India. Mrs. Patel was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious creations.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on cups of fragrant chai tea, Mrs. Patel began to tell me about a traditional Indian dish that she had learned to make from her grandmother. She called it Chickpea Tikka Masala, and she described it as a flavorful and creamy curry dish that was sure to warm the soul.

I was immediately intrigued and asked Mrs. Patel if she would be willing to teach me how to make it. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, toasting spices, and simmering a pot of rich and aromatic sauce.

As the Chickpea Tikka Masala cooked, the scent of cumin, coriander, and garam masala filled the air, and I knew that this dish would become a favorite in my own kitchen. Mrs. Patel patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing her tips and tricks for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

After a few hours of cooking, the Chickpea Tikka Masala was finally ready, and Mrs. Patel and I sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of the fragrant curry. The first bite was a revelation - the creamy coconut milk, tangy tomatoes, and tender chickpeas melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

I thanked Mrs. Patel profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled warmly, telling me that she was happy to pass on a piece of her culture through the joy of cooking. From that day on, Chickpea Tikka Masala became a staple in my own repertoire of recipes, and I would often make it for friends and family, sharing the flavors of India with those I loved.

Over the years, I continued to refine and adapt the recipe, adding my own twist with the addition of roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or spinach. Each variation brought a new depth of flavor to the dish, and I loved experimenting with different combinations of spices and ingredients.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe for Chickpea Tikka Masala down to my own children and grandchildren, teaching them the art of Indian cooking and instilling in them a love for flavorful and aromatic dishes. I would often invite them into the kitchen to help me chop vegetables, stir pots, and taste test the final product, passing on the traditions and techniques that I had learned from Mrs. Patel so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cumin, coriander, and garam masala, I am filled with a sense of warmth and gratitude for the culinary journey that Chickpea Tikka Masala has taken me on. It is a dish that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul, connecting me to a world of flavors and memories that have shaped my life in the most delicious way possible.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of India, I urge you to give Chickpea Tikka Masala a try. Let the fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk transport you to a land of vibrant colors and bold flavors, and savor each bite as a tribute to the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. I promise you won't be disappointed.