vegan tikka masala

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free

What’s the secret to creating a delicious meal? A great blend of spices and seasonings.

Ingredients are undoubtedly important, but spices can transform a dish from basic to extraordinary. In this Vegan Tikka Masala recipe, you’ll find nothing short of that.

The inspiration to create my own Tikka Masala came from a trip to upstate New York a few weeks back for my cousin’s wedding. My family in New York took us out to a restaurant that served this dish, but with their own unique twist.

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free

Now my wheels were turning! After we returned, I researched vegan and non-vegan Tikka Masala recipes and noticed several were made with tofu or tempeh, but not lentils.

Eureka! I now had direction for my own unique twist. 

After writing down several ingredient combinations, I narrowed in on the one that was easiest to prep, yet was still healthy. That thought process is the backbone of all of my recipes!

Prep

This recipe is a real rock star because it only takes a couple of minutes. to prep your ingredients. Simply dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and mince or grate the fresh ginger (you can sub fresh with 1/2 tsp ginger powder). Additionally, have the rest of the seasonings ready nearby.

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free
Cook

Then, add your onion to a large-rimmed skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté for 3 minutes or until it begins to brown. Make sure not to over cook here as the onions will simmer for an additional 20 minutes.

After 3 minutes, add your garlic, fresh ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 30 seconds.

This dish has a spice level of a 2 out of 5. If you prefer a milder spice, only add ¼ tsp chili powder. 

Now immediately add diced tomatoes, and half the can of coconut milk. Combine everything once more and simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. stir every five minutes while your Vegan Tikka Masala simmers.

If you prefer a thinner consistency, simmer for 15 minutes; for thicker, 20 minutes.

During the last 5 minutes of simmering, add the lentils and the other half of the canned coconut milk. Mix well, taste test, and adjust seasonings as needed.

If the spice is still too much, add a couple pinches of brown or coconut sugar. 

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free
Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free
Eat

Add your Vegan Tikka Malasa on top of a bed of Cilantro Lime Rice or grain of your choice. Alternatively, you could also add this on top of a bed of steamed vegetables.

But WAIT, since you’re here, you might also enjoy:

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free
Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free

vegan tikka masala

vegan tikka masala

Prep Time
Total Time 
5 minutes
25 minutes
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Total Time: 
25 minutes
Servings:
2
Cuisine:
vegan
Category:
entree
Diet:
vegan, gluten free, whole food plant-based
Author:
plant based scotty

ingredients :

1 can full fat coconut milk

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1 15oz canned lentils (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp minced garlic)

2 tbsp garam masala

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or sub with 1/2 tsp ginger powder)

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chili powder*

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp pepper

serve with :

fresh cilantro

notes :

*This makes this a 2 out of 5 spice rating for this dish. For mild, use 1/4 tsp or less chili powder. Additionally, you could add a couple pinches of brown or coconut sugar.

directions :

  1. Place a large rimmed pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add onion and cook 3-5 minutes.
  2. Now add garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, cinnamon. Mix well. Saute for 20-30 seconds, then immediately add diced tomatoes and 1/2 can coconut milk.).
  3. Mix well and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes (stirring every couple minutes).
  4. With five minutes left of simmering, add lentils and other 1/2 can coconut milk; mix well. Serve warm with rice and topped with cilantro.

notes :

*This makes this a 2 out of 5 spice rating for this dish. For mild, use 1/4 tsp or less chili powder. Additionally, you could add a couple pinches of brown or coconut sugar.

Vegan Tikka Masala | Gluten Free | Whole Food Plant Based | Oil Free

6 Comment(s)

  1. Carol
    October 23, 2018

    Thank you for your great vegan site… can’t wait to start making your recipes.. they all look super delicious! Appreciated reading your story, too, Scotty. All the best to you and your wife… Thank you for all you do to help educate people…

    1. Scotty
      October 23, 2018

      Carol, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate the time you took to write this. I’ll continue with the mission!

  2. Haran Ravindran
    December 1, 2018

    Interesting take on this dish! Will give it a go!

    1. Scotty
      December 1, 2018

      I’m happy to hear this Haran. I hope you enjoy it.

  3. Kelly
    January 12, 2019

    I love love love this dish- I ate it every day for a week once it was so good

    1. Scotty
      January 12, 2019

      Thanks Kelly!

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Learn How Delicious It Can Be Can To Transition to a Plant-Based Diet

Hey there, I'm Scotty. I help people reach their health and fitness goals eating a plant based diet. Feed me a banana with peanut butter and you'll have my heart forever.

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