Tikka Masala
This recipe takes a minute or so longer then many of my other ones, but it is one of my FAVORITES. So much flavor, freezes well. Honestly, maybe the best on my page! The base is Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, all the things free except FLAVOR. Flavor is FULL. Oh and its a crockpot meal! Winner.
Directions
TBH This recipe does work if you just put it all in the crockpot, skipping all steps, its just not as good, but still very good. For the best outcome follow along:
1- Prep Protein. I like to roast Chicken thighs for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Tofus is great though, and can go right in the pot (Drain and Press tofu. I personally take the tofu out of the package, chop into 1/2 inch cubes, and spread out on a towel. Place another towel on top, and place a heavy thing on top of that (cutting board with some books or a cast iron pan). Do this first.)
2- Mix spice blend and set aside. Chop all ingredients. The cooking goes quickly so you want to have everything ready.
3- Heat oil, cook onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add cumin seeds and cook for 1 extra minute. Then add spice mixture. Cook for another minute. Add Peppers, nutritional yeast, and tomatoes paste. Cook about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, cook 4 more minutes-ish (until tomatoes are soft), stirring often to scrap the bottom of the pan.
4- Oil crockpot (not necessary, but is nice for this recipe). Add the rest of the ingredients. You can add the protein, or wait until you serve. I find that tofu tastes best added in for the cooking, but any other protein doesn’t matter as much. Mix together. Cook on low for 4 to 6 or 8hrs. (some flexibility).
5- Serves nicely with quinoa, rice, or pita. Also great on its own.
Ingredients:
Spice mixture (this will feel like a lot; it is not, pinky promise)
1 Tablespoon Garam Masala
2 Tablespoon Paprika
1 Teaspoon Ground coriander
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
1 Pound of protein. Chicken is great, extra firm tofu is great. Beef was okay.
1 Tablesppon oil (I like coconut oil)
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 Large Onion Diced
4 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 Inch ginger peeled and minced (I use a zester because its faster)
2 Red Bell Pepper Diced
3 Tablesppons nutritional yeast
6 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered (or use 1, 14oz can diced tomatoes, drained)
1 can full-fat coconut milk (1 and 3/4 cups)
2 Tablesppons white wine vinegar
Salt to taste
Serve with Lemon juice and chopped cilantro over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice.
Also great served with plain yogurt.
I am a woman and a wife on a journey to be healthy and happy. I have lost 50+ pounds through exercise and clean eating. I am now committed to helping other women get fit and healthy from the comfort of their own homes. Read more about my story here.
