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    Tikka Masala Soup

    September 19, 2024

    We took classic Indian chicken tikka masala and turned it into a soup that is the definition of cozy. Slurping encouraged.

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    speckled ceramic bowl of homemade tikka masala soup topped topped with fresh cilantro

    A Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe That’s Cozy as Your Favorite Pair of Socks

    Inspired by classic Indian chicken tikka masala, we dreamed up a soup recipe built around the iconic flavors of that dish. Say hello to a new weeknight favorite—chicken tikka masala soup! The warm and grounding flavors of garam masala, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon infuse the tikka masala sauce-inspired soup base. Coconut milk adds a velvety texture to the broth without a adding any dairy, making it Whole30-approved. Add this easy, healthy soup recipe to your weekly dinner rotation and your family will thank you!

    white enamel pot of whole 30 approved tikka masala soup
    hands scooping chicken out of a pot of tikka masala soup with a wooden spoon

    What is Tikka Masala?

    Tikka masala is a classic Indian dish you’ve probably heard of before. Juicy pieces of chicken are simmered in a tomato and yogurt or cream-based sauce with a slew of fragrant spices added. Garam masala is a key competent to the recipe and while there are countless variations of this spice blend, it is known for his warming qualities. A few spices are nearly always included in this classic Indian spice blend—black pepper, dried chilies, cinnamon, cardamon, and coriander, which gives the tikka masala a warm, earthy flavor.

    bowl of tikka masala soup with a linen and two gold spoons

    How to Make Tikka Masala Soup

    This tikka masala soup comes together rather effortlessly and is truly, magically all the things—healthy, comforting and delicious.

    1. Make your kitchen smell heavenly by sautéing garlic and onion in coconut oil.
    2. Next, bloom the spices! This doesn’t mean planting them and waiting til spring. To “bloom” the spices means to warm the spices a bit over a relatively dry heat to awaken their fragrance. It’s often used in Indian cuisine, and this tikka masala soup is no exception, trust us on this one.
    3. Pour in chicken stock, coconut milk, and tomatoes. Inhale the intoxicating aroma as the soup simmers!
    4. Immersion blender, how we love you! Purée the soup until it’s lusciously creamy.
    5. Finish the tikka masala soup recipe with shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken—our favorite weeknight chicken soup shortcut!
    speckled ceramic bowl of tikka masala soup topped with fresh cilantro
    hand dipping fresh naan into a bowl of healthy tikka masala soup

    Tools You’ll Need

    Four Comforting, Healthy Soup Recipes

    These favorite soup recipes are as comforting and healthy as this chicken tikka masala recipe.

    speckled ceramic bowl of tikka masala soup with a blue linen

    A Tikka Masala That Checks All the Boxes

    Whole 30 approved? Creamy, hearty and hot? Check and check. If you make this chicken tikka masala soup, be sure to post a picture to Instagram and tag @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can celebrate your dinner win along with you. Happy eating!

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    Tikka Masala Soup

    Updated on September 19, 2024

    • Serves:  6
    • Prep Time:  5 min
    • Cook Time:  45 min
    • Calories:  325
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    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon garam masala spice mix
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (not lite)
    • 1 kosher salt, plus more to taste
    • 1 rotisserie chicken or 4 cups shredded chicken

    Method

    1. Heat coconut oil over med-high heat in a heavy soup pot. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes then add garlic for 3 more minutes. Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Sauté for 3 minutes longer until spices are fragrant.
    2. Add to the pot, 2 cups of chicken stock, tomatoes and coconut milk. Simmer for 30 minutes.
    3. Using an immersion blender, or stand blender purée soup until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and add shredded chicken.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 325
    • Protein 19 g
    • Carbohydrates 9 g
    • Total Fat 19 g
    • Dietary Fiber 3 g
    • Cholesterol 79 mg
    • sodium 806 mg
    • Total Sugars 6 g

    Tikka Masala Soup

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

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    • Serena

      Can Tikka Marsala soup be put in freezer after being made and if yes for how long can it stay in freezer.

      Absolutely! It can be frozen for 3 months. Hope you enjoy!

    • addie

      can we use diced tomatoes instead of crushed?

      Sure!

    • Ken

      Being that I serve tikka masala over basmati rice, I would add some cooked basmati rice to the soup also, giving it extra body.

      Would be delicious! Hope you enjoy!

    • Sharon

      Can the soup be frozen?

      We haven't personally tried it yet but it should work fine! Hope you enjoy Sharon!

    • Donna

      Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

      We haven't tried that but it would probably be good. Let us know if you give it a shot!

    • Aaron

      As a home cook, I find most Indian recipes are not very approachable, but this recipe was super easy and super tasty! Cooking was made simple with the use of a rotisserie chicken. I served it with basmati rice and even the pickiest eater in my house loved it.

      YAY! Thanks Aaron, so glad you enjoyed it and found it simple to make!

    • Lisa

      This soup was amazing! We love masala and this soup was cooked in less than 30 minutes with one pot. We added jasmine rice and a couple tablespoons of Greek yogurt bc it was a little spicy for me but other than that it was perfect!

      Thanks Lisa, we are so glad you loved it!

    • Ann

      Oh my gosh, this soup is sooo delicious! I did add some chick peas to bulk it up a bit but the flavor was outstanding. My husband went back for seconds although he said he was full. This soup is definitely going into the regular rotation. Thanks so much for an easy but tasty recipe!

      Thanks Ann Marie, we are so happy you loved it! It's always so exciting when something makes rotation!

    • Ashley

      This dish is so yummy! My son, a picky eater, says it’s his favorite soup ever. We’ll be adding this recipe to our weeknight staples!

      Aw, that's so great to hear. So happy it's his favorite!

    • Clare

      So delicious! I made it as written with the exception of reducing the cayenne by for my kids’ delicate palates. It’s perfectly creamy and warming! Will definitely make it again.

      Thanks Clare, we are so glad you enjoyed it!