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September 16, 2025
Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe
Chickpea tikka masala represents classic Indian curry where protein-rich chickpeas are cooked in flavorful creamy sauce, perfectly served over basmati rice. This vegetarian version provides all the satisfaction of traditional tikka masala while accommodating plant-based dietary preferences through substantial chickpeas. The flavorful creamy sauce ensures authentic taste that rivals meat-based versions while delivering complete nutrition through legume protein. This classic Indian preparation demonstrates how traditional techniques can create satisfying vegetarian meals that appeal to all diners. The basmati rice pairing completes the meal while providing the perfect base for absorbing the delicious creamy sauce.
Chickpea tikka masala is a classic Indian curry where chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful creamy sauce. Serve over basmati rice or with naan.
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
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This chickpea tikka masala recipe like it would take a while to make, according to recipe developer Sarah Brekke , but it comes together surprisingly quickly.
How to Make Chickpea Tikka Masala
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade chickpea tikka masala:
- Cook the onions and carrots in oil, then add the garam masala, cumin, and pepper.
- Stir in the tomato paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, and jalapeño.
- Stir in the chickpeas, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and cayenne. Simmer.
- Stir in water and half-and-half.
- Garnish and serve over basmati rice.
Test Kitchen Tips
This recipe was developed in our test kitchen. Check out some tips and tricks from culinary experts that might make the cooking process easier:
- Add any vegetables or beans you want, says Sarah. This chickpea tikka masala is easy to customize.
- Double the recipe because it will taste better the next day.
- Remove the seeds from your jalapeño if you want less heat.
- For a vegan variation, substitute ¼ cup of cashew cream for half-and-half. Learn how to make homemade cashew cream below.
- To make this chickpea tikka masala a soup, add more vegetable stock and some garam masala to make a soup. Cashew cream will work as a thickener, if desired, for a creamier soup.
To make cashew cream : Blend 1 cup soaked* cashews and with 1 cup water for 2 minutes on high, or until smooth. Cashew cream can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Chickpea Tikka Masala
Serve the chickpea tikka masala over cooked basmati rice with naan to soak up all that flavorful liquid. For more serving inspiration, explore our collection of 10 Easy, Healthy Indian Side Dishes to Complete the Meal .
How to Store Chickpea Tikka Masala
Allow the leftover chickpea tikka masala to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can You Freeze Chickpea Tikka Masala?
Yes. You can freeze chickpea tikka masala for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
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Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1/2 medium fresh jalapeño chile pepper , finely chopped*
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
3/4 cup water, or as needed
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
4 cups hot cooked basmati rice
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and carrots and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
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Stir in garam masala, cumin, and black pepper; cook and stir until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add tomato paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, and jalapeño pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
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Stir in chickpeas, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture is hot. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Stir in 3/4 cup water and half-and-half. Continue cooking on low until heated through, about 1 minute. For a saucier mixture, add more water if desired. Remove from heat; cover and keep warm.
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Top with cilantro and serve with hot cooked basmati rice and/or naan.
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 485 | Calories |
| 10g | Fat |
| 80g | Carbs |
| 22g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 485 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 486mg | 21% |
| Total Carbohydrate 80g | 29% |
| Dietary Fiber 19g | 69% |
| Total Sugars 16g | |
| Protein 22g | 43% |
| Vitamin C 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium 145mg | 11% |
| Iron 8mg | 44% |
| Potassium 1017mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
