Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala (Printer-friendly)
Creamy spiced chickpeas in aromatic tomato sauce over fluffy rice, ready in under an hour.
# What you'll need:
→ Chickpea Tikka Masala
01 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 - 2 teaspoons garam masala
08 - 1 teaspoon turmeric
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
12 - 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
13 - 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
17 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
→ Rice
18 - 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
19 - 3 cups water
20 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ To Serve
21 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - Lemon wedges
# Method:
01 - Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork before serving.
02 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toast spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release essential oils.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes, scraping up browned bits from pan bottom. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to break down tomatoes.
06 - Add coconut milk, drained chickpeas, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until sauce thickens nicely and flavors fully meld together.
08 - Stir in lemon juice and maple syrup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chickpea tikka masala over fluffy rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coconut milk creates this incredibly luxurious texture that coats every single chickpea
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Resist the urge to rush the onion stage, that caramelized sweetness provides the backbone for the entire dish
- Full fat coconut milk makes a huge difference in texture and carrying the spice flavors
03 -
- A pinch of fenugreek leaves crushed between your palms adds an authentic restaurant style aroma
- Letting the sauce simmer uncovered helps concentrate the flavors to their full potential