Plento Pasto Cookbook15-Minute Chickpea Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice
⏱ 20 min
🍽 Serves 4
≈ $6.20 ($1.55/serving)
novice
Why this fits a family on a budget
At roughly $1.55 per serving, this plant-based meal comes in well under the $3 budget using pantry-staple canned goods. The whole dish comes together in one skillet in under 20 minutes with no chopping required.
Ingredients
• 2 15oz cans canned chickpeas
• 1 15oz can canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 13.5oz can canned coconut milk
• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 2 tbsp tikka masala spice blend
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup frozen diced onion
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Combine 1.5 cups basmati rice with 2.25 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is fully absorbed and rice is fluffy.
2. While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
3. Add 1 cup frozen diced onion directly from frozen. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and translucent.
4. Add 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until spices are fragrant and coat the onions.
5. Drain and rinse both cans of chickpeas, then add them to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
6. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the can of coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and turns a deep orange-red color.
8. Taste and add salt as needed. Serve over basmati rice and top with fresh cilantro.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
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This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.
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