Description

🧡 Better-Than-Butter Tikka Masala Sauce

A rich, creamy, plant-based sauce that brings all the comfort of traditional tikka masala—without the butter, oil, or cream.

🥣 Introduction

Looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce without using butter or heavy cream? This Better-Than-Butter Tikka Sauce is your new go-to! Made with fragrant spices, ripe tomatoes, and protein-rich cashews, it delivers the depth and warmth of classic tikka or butter masala gravies—minus the heaviness.

This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many delicious ways:

• Pour it over tofu, chickpeas, tempeh, or roasted vegetables as a healthy butter chicken-style alternative
• Drizzle over grain bowls, baked potatoes, or roasted cauliflower
• Thin it out and use as a zesty salad dressing or wrap spread
• Or simply enjoy it as a cozy, spiced dipping sauce

It’s oil-free, dairy-free, and can be made nut-free by swapping cashews for sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Make a batch, store it in your fridge, and let your meals come alive all week long.

🔥 Method

1. Dry Roast the Whole Spices:
   In a dry pan over medium heat, add fennel seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
   Roast for about 1 minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.
2. Sauté the Onion and Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   Add the ginger-garlic paste and continue sautéing for another 2 minutes, until golden and aromatic.
3. Cook the Tomato Base:
   Add chopped tomatoes, salt, turmeric, pepper, chili powder, chaat masala, and cashews.
   Stir well, cover, and cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   Cook until the tomatoes break down and most of the water has evaporated.
4. Blend Until Smooth:
   Let the mixture cool slightly.
   Transfer to a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix) and blend until silky smooth and creamy.
5. Store and Use:
   Use immediately or store in an airtight container:
   • Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 days
   • Freezer: Up to 2 months

✨ Serving Suggestions

This tikka sauce pairs beautifully with:

• Baked or sautéed tofu
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Quinoa or rice bowls
• Whole roasted cauliflower (see Creamy Cashew-Tikka Cauliflower Roast for inspiration!)
• Or simply as a dipping sauce for warm flatbreads