Vegetables Tikka Masala Recipe

If you could make one meal to convert a non-vegan, the vegetables tikka masala classic recipe would be a great place to start. It is packed full of veggie goodness, mild to spicy (depending on what you like), and it demonstrates how flavorful vegetables can be. You don’t need meat to make a delicious meal. Sounds interesting? Let’s prepare our knives and create a masterpiece in just a few simple steps.

Why We Love Vegetable Tikka Masala

Veggie tikka masala is an iteration of other tikka masalas, such as the famous chicken tikka masala. There are several vegan meals you can make, but vegetable tikka masala stands out for several reasons:

It is weeknight-friendly – You can move from prep to plate in a short time, so this is a dish that fits well into your weekly menu.

A great way to eat vegetables – Vegetables don’t have to be bland. Vegetable tikka masala combines explosive flavors with vegetable freshness to create a hearty meal.

You can start early – The flavors develop and improve over the next few days. A good rule of thumb is to make more than you can eat and freeze the remainder.

Easy to make – You do not need any special cooking skills. Even beginners can make a decent meal with just pantry ingredients. All the cooking ingredients are available at your local market.

It is well balanced – The vegetable tikka masala is loaded with nutrients that keep you healthy and satisfied every time.

Easy on the stomach – The main ingredients in veggie tikka, such as ginger, make the dish easy to digest.

Vegetarian Tikka Masala Recipe

Tikka masala is an integral part of Indian cuisine. Like other Indian dishes, it packs a spicy punch completed by tomatoes, yogurt, and cauliflower, among other unique ingredients. It pairs perfectly with rice which is the most popular accompaniment. However, you can also chow it down with naan.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Diced yellow onion
• Chopped carrot
• Freshly grated ginger
• Garlic cloves
• Garam masala
• Ground turmeric
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Cauliflower
• Vegetable broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Coconut milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cilantro leaves (optional)

Tips For The Best Vegetables Tikka Masala

Before you begin, a few golden tips will ensure you get beautiful results every time. Follow these guidelines to perfect your tikka masala:

• Prepare before you start. While it’s possible to move from the pantry to the pan as you cook, it’s always better to have everything laid out before you start. This gives you a systematic approach and ensures you do not forget to add anything.
• Use a large pan or skillet. A wider pan creates a larger surface area when you cook. This distributes heat more evenly while giving your veggies a nice sear as they directly touch the bottom of the pan.
• Keep it fresh. Always use fresh ingredients, especially aromatic ingredients like ginger and garlic. You can freeze them before you use them for easier dicing, peeling, or grating.
• Check the cauliflower. Cauliflower completes a veggie tikka masala dish. Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower and lose the heat when they become tender. They should hold their shape; mushy cauliflowers are not allowed.
• Do not forget to garnish. Nothing beats a nice garnish to complete a classic meal. Use cilantro, chives, or parsley to decorate before you serve.

Method

• Get your large skillet and add just enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Bring to medium heat
• Add one diced onion and fry until lightly brown
• Add your tomato paste, garam masala, ginger, chili powder, and cayenne pepper
• Stir lightly and add turmeric, paprika, and cumin
• Combine by stirring for two minutes until a paste is formed, then add chickpeas
• Add your cauliflower, vegetable broth, and diced tomato
• Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer at low heat for 20 minutes
• Stir frequently until the sauce thickens and the cauliflower is tender
• Add coconut milk and lemon juice and cover for five minutes
• Garnish and serve with naan or rice

Benefits of Vegetable Tikka Masala

To understand the great benefits of veggie tikka masala, we can break down the dish into its main ingredients.

Live Healthier With Garlic – Garlic is often referred to as a superfood. It’s not only delicious but comes with many great benefits. It is also an essential part of tikka masala’s flavor profile. Garlic has allicin, which boosts the body’s immunity to prevent many common illnesses such as the common cold. Eating garlic frequently also stabilizes blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart disease. It also inhibits the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and packs many antibiotic properties.

Look Younger With Ginger – Ginger is full of antioxidants that help to protect the skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. This prevents damage to the skin because of prolonged exposure to the sun. Ginger is also in digestion after a delicious veggie tikka dish and can help reduce nausea. Other benefits of ginger include lowering dangerous cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular conditions.

Lots of Turmeric – Turmeric has the unique ability to fit into a wide range of sauces and recipes, including veggie tikka masala. It has been used for hundreds of years to spice up dishes in Indian cuisine. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which has several health benefits. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound that can help the body defend itself against cancer and numerous heart diseases. It may also slow down aging and prevent age-related illnesses. We recommend freshly ground turmeric, as shown in the recipe, to get the best flavor and benefits.

Feel Amazing With Garam Masala– Garam masala is a signature ingredient in Indian cuisine. It also helps reduce bloating, keep your weight in check, and helps to freshen your breath. Try to make your garam masala at home as often as possible. Using ingredients like fresh cinnamon, coriander, cloves, and cumin makes a big difference in your veggie tikka masala. It’s easy to make and can be stored for later use.

Improve your lifestyle with chili – Chili adds that kick of flavor to veggie tikka masala. Besides its taste, it also has a lot of Vitamin C, preventing diseases. Chili also helps prevent stomach ulcers and lowers the chances of type II diabetes.

Conclusion

Vegetable tikka masala is one of the best ways to enjoy both vegetarian meals and Indian food. Furthermore, we are seeing an increase in the popularity of vegetarian meals as more people become health conscious. It is a simple meal that requires few ingredients and no special equipment. As we have found out, numerous health benefits are also derived from the dish. Follow our tips, and you can be sure to enjoy a warm plate of veggie tikka every time.

FAQs about Vegetables Tikka Masala