Chickpea tikka masala is a classic Indian curry where chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful creamy sauce. Serve over basmati rice or with naan.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1/2 medium fresh jalapeño chile pepper, finely chopped*
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
3/4 cup water, or as needed
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
4 cups hot cooked basmati rice
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and carrots and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in garam masala, cumin, and black pepper; cook and stir until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, and jalapeño pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Stir in chickpeas, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture is hot. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in 3/4 cup water and half-and-half. Continue cooking on low until heated through, about 1 minute. For a saucier mixture, add more water if desired. Remove from heat; cover and keep warm.
Top with cilantro and serve with hot cooked basmati rice and/or naan.