Tofu and Chickpea Tikka Masala over Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed, prepared per package instructions
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 0.5 tablespoon olive oil, used in 2:1 ratio with coconut oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup sweet mini peppers, yellow, red, and orange, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup asparagus, stems chopped, flower tops reserved and added later
• 1 teaspoon Bhaji Masala seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 15.5 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz Patak's Tikka Masala simmer sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for topping, optional
• 0.5 medium cucumber, sliced, for serving, optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse 1 cup of dry basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions and keep warm.

   Step 1
2. 2

   In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 0.5 tablespoon olive oil.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion, celery, and sweet peppers. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

   Step 3
4. 4

   Add the chopped garlic, asparagus stems (not the tops yet), grated ginger, Bhaji Masala seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the asparagus flower tops and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute.

   Step 5
6. 6

   Add the cubed tofu and saute everything together for 2 minutes, stirring gently so the tofu does not break apart completely.

7. 7

   Add the drained chickpeas and mix well until everything is evenly combined.

   Step 7
8. 8

   Pour in the entire jar of Tikka Masala simmer sauce and stir to coat all the ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and everything is well combined.

   Step 8
9. 9

   Serve over a bed of hot basmati rice. Top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if using, and serve cucumber slices on the side.

   Step 9

Nutrition Facts

Substitutions & Variations

• →Swap tofu for diced chicken breast if you want added animal protein. Cook the chicken fully before adding the chickpeas.
• →Use tempeh instead of tofu for a firmer texture and a slightly nuttier flavor.
• →Replace basmati rice with cauliflower rice to lower the total carbohydrate count significantly.
• →Any Tikka Masala simmer sauce brand works here. Choose a dairy-free version to make the dish fully vegan.
• →No asparagus? Green beans or zucchini are easy substitutes that hold up well in the sauce.
• →Bhaji Masala can be replaced with garam masala if that is what you have on hand.