I think I most often see this dish prepared with chicken. Which is a bummer for me because this sauce has an amazing flavor, but I don’t often eat chicken. So, of course, I’m learning to make it at home. Problem solved.
This is in no way a traditional tikka masala, but rather just how I like it. I hope you like it too. It’s got tons of spice, tempeh to make it filling, and crunchy cashews on top. The cashews are probably the most nontraditional thing about how I make this, or at least a contender. But I just love adding nuts to tons of different dishes. They add crunch, flavor, and a little bit more protein.
Vegetarian Tikka Masala, serves 2-3.
Adapted from Chicken Tikka Masala via Epicurious
1 cup uncooked rice (I used brown jasmine)
2 teaspoons coriander
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
4 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
1 small onion (or half a medium-size onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato paste
2 cups water
2/3 cup cream (I used half and half)
8 ounces tempeh
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped cashews
one lime, for serving
Begin by cooking your rice according the the package directions. You could also choose to skip the rice and serve this with naan instead. Or both. 🙂
While the rice cooks, get the sauce and tempeh ready. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute. Then add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute. Now toss in the tomato paste, water, cream, and all the spices. Pro tip: I put all the spices in a small bowl before I begin cooking since it takes a little bit to measure all that out.
Add in the cubed tempeh and cook until everything is hot. If your sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or cream. Taste and season with salt if needed.Â
Once you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on the chopped cashews and cilantro and a lime wedge. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.Â
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Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice (I used brown jasmine)
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ÂĽ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
- 1 small onion (or half a medium-size onion)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- â…” cup cream (I used half and half)
- 8 ounces tempeh
- ÂĽ cup chopped cilantro
- ÂĽ cup chopped cashews
- one lime (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your rice according the the package directions. You could also choose to skip the rice and serve this with naan instead. Or both.
- While the rice cooks, get the sauce and tempeh ready. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute. Then add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute. Now toss in the tomato paste, water, cream, and all the spices. Pro tip: I put all the spices in a small bowl before I begin cooking since it takes a little bit to measure all that out.
- Add in the cubed tempeh and cook until everything is hot. If your sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or cream. Taste and season with salt if needed.
- Once you're ready to serve, sprinkle on the chopped cashews and cilantro and a lime wedge.
Thanks for the inspiration, Emma! I’m slowly moving away from eating meat altogether, and this recipe is a great example on how delicious vegetarian/vegan dishes really can be. I followed your recipe, but swapped butter and cream for coconut oil and coconut milk – maybe these changes made the sauce a bit unbalanced(?), since I found it to be way too bitter for my taste. Some brown sugar and more coconut milk to the rescue…. and voilĂ , perfection!
I made this recipe last night. My husband and I both loved it! I really appreciate all of the vegetarian recipes you share and your experimentation with new proteins. I always find amazing inspiration on your site! Thanks!!
Lovely hedgehog cup!
YUM! I LOVE chicken tikka masala, I can’t wait to try this vegetarian version.
This looks amazing! Emma – next time try put the spices into the pan after you’ve sautĂ©ed the onions. It really allows the spices to “open up” and the smell is heavenly! Happy Indian cooking! X
Looking forward to try it! Looks delicious!!. Do you think it is possible to use tofu instead of tempeh?
Thanks!
Yay, “serves 2” my favourite words! I often drool over recipes, scroll down and then find it serves 6 and is tricky to adapt. This is going to be made soo sooooooonnnn!
I’m Indian and I say go for it. Most Indians are vegetarian anyways, and there are a ton of vegetarian options in India. This is a great take on a “traditional” dish. I love seeing variations of this.
Hey Emma,
I have been following your blog from India since 4 years now. Love that you are experimenting with Indian dishes as well..You can look up for recipes from Sanjeev Kapoor or Tarla Dalal. Tarla Dalal is like the Julia Child of the U.S. Have you tried paan? Im sure you’ll love it!
Enjoy!
What a great veggie version! I’ll try it.
that looks delicious I will try this next week
www.purelysandy.com
OMG! This looks sooooo good! Nom!
Lulu xx
https://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
I don’t know why I never thought to use tempeh in Indian dishes!! Such a great use for it. I love Indian food, and I’m sure this will be a new go-to veg dish in my household!
We eat jasmine rice by the pound, but I’ve never seen brown!
In Indian cooking they get that mad amazing flavor by simmering the spice mix with the ghee, before adding the other ingredients. Try it!
Whoo! This recipe will be sure to impress my Indian family 🙂
P.s. I think the cashews are pretty traditional, actually. And the perfect addition!!
I love that you made a no meat dish! 🙂 -Hanna Lei
This looks good, I’ve been trying to find a curry recipe that would go well with the cauliflower rice I made…this may just work.
This looks great! I’d love to see more Indian dishes on ABM – I didn’t realize they weren’t that difficult!
That looks divine!
www.blondeinkuwait.blogspot.com