Name: Vegetarian Tikka Masala
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: Indian

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 29, 2026

If you love Indian cuisine but want a vegetarian version of a classic dish, this Vegetarian Tikka Masala is a simple and easy recipe for those comfort food cravings. It's packed with lots of veggies like cauliflower, carrots, and bell pepper, all simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with aromatic spices.

From the Cook

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Vegetarian Tikka Masala

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in the bottom of a Dutch oven and set it over medium-low heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring relatively frequently.

Add 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste and stir for 2 minutes, ensuring it fully coats the garlic, onions, and carrots.

Add 2 tablespoons grated ginger, 3 teaspoons garam masala, 3 teaspoons turmeric, and 3 teaspoons chili powder. Stir for 2 minutes to evenly coat the vegetables.

Add 2 cups vegetable stock, 1 (15.5 oz) can coconut milk, the chopped bell pepper, 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes, 2 (15.5 oz) cans chickpeas, and the chopped cauliflower. Gently mix to combine.

Cover the pot and bring to an active simmer. Let it cook for about 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Optional: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for added richness before serving.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Spice Bloom Technique 🌶️
Toast whole spices like garam masala in hot oil for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
Vegetable Caramelization Magic 🥕
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes and don't overcrowd the pan to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
Coconut Milk Stability Trick 🥥
Gently fold coconut milk into the sauce at low heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Layered Spice Building 🧂
Add ground spices in stages - first dry spices like turmeric, then chili powder, and finally garam masala - to develop a more nuanced flavor profile.
Aromatics Infusion Technique 🧄
Finely mince ginger and garlic together and sauté until fragrant to release their essential oils and create a robust flavor base.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.