Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Indian curry honoring authentic spice ratios, featuring tender chickpeas in a creamy tomato sauce with hand-ground spices. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chickpeas, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 large diced onion and cook for 6 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato puree, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp coriander, simmering for 4 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp cashew butter until fully melted, then add 2 tsp garam masala and 1 cup milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cans drained chickpeas and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust spices (add extra garam masala if needed), then serve with basmati rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Vegan Tikka Masala with Chickpeas vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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