Chickpea Tikka Masala

 Ingredients:

For the Chickpea Marinade:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions:

For the Chickpea Marinade:

1. Prepare the Chickpea Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the marinade and toss to coat.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger:

   • Stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Spices and Tomatoes:

   • Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
   • Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.

6. Blend the Sauce:

   • Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the skillet.

7. Return the Sauce to the Skillet:

   • Return the blended sauce to the skillet and place it over low heat.

Assemble the Dish:

8. Add the Marinated Chickpeas:

   • Add the marinated chickpeas (including any remaining marinade) to the sauce.
   • Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to heat through.

9. Stir in Cream or Coconut Milk:

   • Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. Season and Garnish:

    • Season the Chickpea Tikka Masala with salt and black pepper to taste.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

11. Serve:

    • Serve your Chickpea Tikka Masala hot, over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.

This Chickpea Tikka Masala is a hearty and satisfying dish that's rich in flavors. It's perfect for both vegetarians and anyone looking for a delicious meatless meal. Enjoy your homemade Indian-inspired culinary creation!