Easy And Delicious Chana Tikka Masala For Parties And Celebrations

Chana Tikka Masala is a rich, flavour-packed vegetarian dish that’s perfect for festive gatherings, dinner parties, or weekend feasts. Combining the smoky charm of tikka-style chickpeas with a creamy, spiced masala gravy, this recipe offers all the indulgence of traditional party food without using meat. It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, rice, or pulao making it a versatile choice for any special occasion.

Below is an easy-to-follow recipe you can prepare at home to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Chana Tikka

• 2 cups boiled chickpeas
• ½ cup thick yoghurt (or vegan yoghurt alternative)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee

Marination:
Mix all ingredients except the chickpeas. Add the chana and coat well. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Cooking:
Sauté, grill, or air-fry the marinated chickpeas until slightly charred and aromatic.

Ingredients for Masala Gravy

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ¼ cup fresh cream or coconut cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Method

1. Make the base:
Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add onions and sauté until golden brown.

2. Add tomatoes and spices:
Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and chilli powder. Cook until the oil separates.

3. Combine with chana:
Add the grilled or sautéed tikka-style chickpeas and mix gently.

4. Finish with cream:
Pour in fresh cream or coconut cream to enhance richness. Cook for a few minutes on low flame.

5. Garnish and serve:
Top with fresh coriander and serve hot with your choice of Indian bread or rice.

Why It’s Perfect for Special Occasions

• Rich, restaurant-style flavour
• High in protein and fibre
• Suitable for vegetarians and adaptable for vegans
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Works well for lunch, dinner, or party menus