Description
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala that combines aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal with minimal prep and easy slow cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated/minced
Tomato and Chickpeas
- 1 28-ounce can kitchen ready tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 29-ounce cans chickpeas, drained
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup plain yogurt, full fat works best
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Spices and Flavorings: Stir in the garam masala, tomato paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the kitchen ready tomatoes and kosher salt to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and transfer this mixture into the slow cooker. Add the drained chickpeas and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Masala: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the chickpeas to become tender.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir in the plain yogurt and chopped cilantro to add creaminess and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of rice or naan bread.
Notes
- Using full-fat plain yogurt enhances the creaminess of the sauce, but low-fat yogurt can be used if preferred.
- If you prefer a spicier tikka masala, add red chili powder or fresh chopped chilies during the sauté step.
- For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or coconut cream.
- Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Garam masala can be adjusted to taste or substituted with an equivalent spice blend if unavailable.
