Hey there, food lovers! If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and super easy to make, then this Veg One Pot Tikka Masala is exactly what you need! Packed with vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and a creamy, comforting sauce, this dish will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pot – no fuss, no mess! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a keeper. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Method
Prepare the Veggies
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Begin with chopping the onion and garlic into small pieces. Dice the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. This step is important because it ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and quickly, giving the dish the perfect texture. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking, as this will make the process flow smoothly.
Cook the Base
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This will create the base for your dish, infusing the oil with the aromatic flavors of the onion and garlic, which will then be absorbed by the other ingredients.
Add the Veggies
Now it’s time to add the rest of the vegetables. Toss in the diced carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and cauliflower into the pot. Stir them around and let them cook for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent them from sticking. At this point, the vegetables should begin to soften and release their natural juices. They’ll take on a bit of color, making the dish look vibrant and inviting.
Spice it Up
Once your veggies are softening, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tikka masala paste, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. These spices will give your dish its rich flavor. Mix the spices thoroughly into the vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together. As you stir, you’ll notice the colors of the spices coming together and infusing the veggies, creating a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
Simmer the Sauce
Now, add the chopped tomatoes from the can, 1 cup of coconut milk, and 1 cup of vegetable stock to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As soon as the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow it to simmer for about 25-30 minutes. During this time, the flavors will develop, and the vegetables will become tender. The sauce will thicken up, creating a rich and creamy base for the dish.
Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are perfectly tender, it’s time to plate your dish. Spoon the Veg One-Pot Tikka Masala onto a plate, and for an extra touch, add a scoop of cooked rice on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro, which will add a burst of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting and flavorful meal you’ve just made!
Necessary Tools
- One large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Rice cooker (if cooking rice separately)
- Ladle
Veg One-Pot Tikka Masala A Flavorful Comfort Meal
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesIngredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp tikka masala paste
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 cup cooked rice (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the veggies Start by chopping your onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the pot.
- Cook the base Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the veggies Throw in the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and cauliflower, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spice it up Stir in the tikka masala paste, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. This is where the magic happens, as the spices will infuse the veggies and the whole dish with an amazing flavor.
- Simmer the sauce Add the chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
- Serve Once the sauce has thickened and the veggies are soft, it’s time to plate! Serve your Veg One-Pot Tikka Masala with a scoop of cooked rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.
Notes
- Don’t rush the simmering process The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer the flavor will be. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, even though it smells amazing!
- Adjust the heat If you like your dish extra spicy, feel free to add more curry powder or a fresh chili pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of tikka masala paste and curry powder.
- Stir occasionally Be sure to stir the dish occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a side of naan or chapati for an extra filling meal.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lime for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Tikka masala is believed to have been invented in the UK by Indian chefs looking to satisfy the British taste for rich, creamy sauces. It’s now one of the most popular dishes worldwide, loved for its deep, flavorful spices.
Conclusion
This Veg One-Pot Tikka Masala is not only super tasty but also incredibly easy to make. With its rich, spicy, and creamy flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, the one-pot method makes cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe will never let you down. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!
