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Trader Joes Vegan Tikka Masala Copy Cat Recipe

Trader Joes Vegan Tikka Masala Copy Cat Recipe

This homemade Trader Joe's vegan tikka masala recipe is a flavor jammed, versatile plant-based, one pot meal. With TJ's ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, entertaining, or meal prep.
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Course: Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Sauce, Side Dish, Ulam
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: copycat, garam masala, one pot, tikka masala, trader joes, turmeric, vegan, vegan recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 202kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Pot
  • mixing spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp ginger grated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil coconut or vegetable
  • 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
  • 6 oz tomato paste 1 small can
  • 8 oz tomato sauce 1 small can
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste; add more if you like spicy
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • cilantro garnish

Add Protein

  • 2 cups tofu previously frozen and thawed, then cubed - light sear before adding to sauce OR protein of choice

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp tamarind paste OPTIONAL; in sauce

Instructions

Preparing the Tofu

  • Press the Tofu: After thawing the frozen tofu, press it to remove excess water. This can be done by placing it between paper towels and placing a weight on top for about 15-20 minutes.
    2 cups tofu
  • Cube the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  • Sear Tofu: Heat some oil in a pan and lightly sear the tofu until slightly browned and then set aside.

Making the Sauce

  • Sauté the Onions: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
    1 medium onion, 2 tablespoons oil
  • Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
    2 tbsp ginger, 4 cloves garlic
  • Incorporate Spices: Reduce heat to low. Add the ground coriander, garam, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, ground fennel, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices.
    1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ¾ teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 bay leaves
  • Add Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
    6 oz tomato paste, 8 oz tomato sauce
  • Add Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: Pour in the broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow several minutes for the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
    1 cup low sodium vegetable broth

Cooking the Tofu

  • Add the Tofu: Add the cubed tofu and stir gently to coat the tofu with the sauce.
  • Season: Add salt to taste. Let the mixture low simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
    Salt to taste

Final Touches

  • OPTIONAL Add Tamarind Paste: Stir in the tamarind paste for a tangy depth of flavor.
    1/2 tsp tamarind paste
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water until the desired consistency is reached. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
  • Serve hot with traditional sides of rice, roti, or naan. Garnish with lots of cilantro.
    cilantro

Notes

Add Ins and Variations

  • Remember when making this version of Trader Joes Vegan Tikka Masala to garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for balanced acidity
  • Add vegan or Greek yogurt on top when serving, if desired.
  • Add coconut cream.
  • Add any protein you like! It doesn't have to be just tofu.
  • Try vegetables like bell pepper, lentils, or mushroom in the recipe.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Trader Joes Vegan Tikka Masala Copy Cat Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
202
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
107
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
 
280
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
176
mg
18
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.