Veg Tikka Masala Recipe Easy and Delicious at Home

Veg Tikka Masala is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the best of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Picture tender chunks of mixed vegetables, marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled or baked to perfection before being enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce.

This dish is a vegetarian’s delight, offering a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that satisfy the palate and nourish the soul. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, veg tikka masala is sure to impress with its beautiful colors and irresistible aroma.

One of the greatest things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even make it vegan-friendly with simple swaps.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with naan, rice, or even a light salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veg tikka masala recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh vegetables that retain their texture and vibrant colors, making your meal as visually appealing as it is tasty.

The homemade marinade infuses every bite with layers of authentic Indian spices, creating a complex yet balanced flavor profile.

Secondly, the creamy tomato gravy is made from scratch, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives or excessive salt often found in store-bought sauces. It’s a healthier, more wholesome alternative that tastes far superior.

Lastly, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to keep it vegan, add some heat, or swap in different veggies, you have full control.

It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions.

Ingredients

• For the vegetable tikka:
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup cubed bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
• 1 cup cubed paneer or firm tofu (optional for vegan)
• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (use vegan yogurt if preferred)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• For the masala gravy:
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup cashew cream or coconut cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls for marinating vegetables
• Baking sheet or grill pan
• Large skillet or saucepan for making the masala gravy
• Food processor or blender to puree tomatoes and make cashew cream
• Spatula and wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, oil, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the vegetables: Add cauliflower florets, bell peppers, onion chunks, tomato pieces, and paneer or tofu if using. Toss them gently to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the tikka: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated vegetables and paneer/tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until the edges are slightly charred and cooked through. Alternatively, grill on a grill pan over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes.
4. Make the masala gravy: Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the tomato puree: Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook on medium-low heat until the mixture thickens and oil starts to separate, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Spice it up: Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to let the spices blend.
7. Add creaminess: Stir in the cashew cream or coconut cream and simmer the gravy for another 5 minutes on low heat. Adjust salt and spice levels to taste.
8. Combine tikka with gravy: Gently add the baked or grilled vegetables and paneer/tofu tikka into the gravy. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the pieces. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite bread.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a smoky flavor, try using a charcoal smoke technique by placing a small bowl of hot charcoal in the pan with the gravy and covering it to trap the smoke for a few minutes.

If you want a vegan version, simply replace the yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and use tofu instead of paneer. Cashew cream can also be swapped for coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Looking for a spicier dish? Increase the red chili powder or add a chopped green chili to the marinade.

For a richer flavor, roast your spices before grinding or use freshly ground garam masala.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Veg tikka masala pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice to soak up the luscious gravy. For a more traditional experience, serve alongside buttery naan or roti.

You can also offer some cooling cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the spices.

For a lighter meal, try serving veg tikka masala as a filling for wraps or stuffed into pita bread along with some fresh greens and pickled onions.

If you love exploring new veggie dishes, check out these recipes:

• Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners
• Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore
• Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas

Conclusion

Veg Tikka Masala is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients. This recipe invites you to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Indian cooking, adapted for a modern, vegetarian lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

With its customizable nature, you can tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative with vegetables and spices—turning simple ingredients into a spectacular feast.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven or grill, and indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade veg tikka masala.

Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes on our site for your next cooking adventure!

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