A flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a tangy, spicy masala sauce, topped with perfectly poached eggs, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
Prepare the Base: Heat avocado oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing them to soften.
Build the Masala Sauce: Stir in the tikka masala paste and cook for 1 minute to release its flavors. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in the room-temperature yogurt until smooth. Ensure the sauce simmers gently—avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Add chickpeas and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
Poach the Eggs: Create four small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny (or to your desired doneness).
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with warm naan, roti, or steamed rice if desired.
Video
Notes
Chef’s Tips
Yogurt Swap: For a dairy-free version, substitute ¼ cup coconut milk. This will give a milder, creamier flavor.
Yogurt Handling: Always use room-temperature yogurt to avoid curdling. If in a rush, temper the yogurt by mixing in a bit of the warm sauce before adding it fully.
Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds for less heat.