Recipes
Tikka Masala Sauce (Dairy-Free)
Valentina P
This creamy, perfectly spiced, dairy-free and vegan Tikka Masala Sauce recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Not 100% authentic, but will totally satisfy those Indian food cravings.
How To MakeDiet Type: Plant-based
Shopping List
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For the Sauce
- 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce or tomato passata
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 1/4 cups water or broth
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, ghee, or plant-based butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste For the Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder (or chili powder blend)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (use half for mild)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried mint or fenugreek
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often.
- Step 2: Add the spice blend and tomato paste to the onions and stir continuously for 30 seconds, or until the spices are fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce or passata, and water or broth. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Turn off the heat and cool the warm sauce for at least 5 minutes, then transfer it to a blender (if your blender is small, do this in batches to avoid overfilling the blender). Add in the cashews and blend the sauce until super smooth. Taste and season as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy this sauce in Chicken Tikka Masala, spooned over Lentil Meatballs, or in Shredded Chicken and Rice Bowls.
Recipe Notes
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