Go Back
Homemade Vegetarian Tikka Masala photo

Vegetarian Tikka Masala

A vegetarian tikka masala with cauliflower and chickpeas in a spiced tomato-coconut sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 large carrotchopped
  • 2 tablespoonstomato paste
  • 1 tablespoonfreshly grated ginger
  • 4 clovesgarlic minced
  • 2 teaspoonsgaram masala
  • 2 teaspoonsground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoonchili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoonpaprika
  • 1/2 teaspooncumin
  • 1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper
  • 3 cupscauliflower florets
  • 3/4 cupvegetable broth
  • 128 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 115 oz can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cupcoconut milk
  • 1 tablespoonfresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cupchopped fresh cilantro leaves optional
  • Basmati rice and naan bread for servingoptional and serve

Equipment

  • large skillet or pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare ingredients: dice the 1 yellow onion, chop the 1 large carrot, grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, mince 4 cloves garlic, rinse and drain the 115 oz can chickpeas, and open the 128 oz can diced tomatoes. Measure spices and liquids (2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 cups cauliflower florets, 3/4 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro if using).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat until warmed.
  3. Add the diced onion and chopped carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrot is tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste, the grated ginger, minced garlic, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir constantly and cook until fragrant and well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add the 3 cups cauliflower florets, the entire 128 oz can diced tomatoes (including juices), and 3/4 cup vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Increase heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Stir in the rinsed and drained chickpeas, 1/2 cup coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Cook until heated through and the flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if using.
  9. Serve warm with basmati rice and naan bread, if desired.

Notes

Notes
If you want a richer sauce, you can add up to 1 cup of coconut milk. If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, you can substitute heavy cream.