Trader Joe’s is a little treasure trove of vegan goodness. It seems like each week they have something new and exciting to try. One such gem of a staple on our grocery list is Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala. As huge fans of Indian cuisine this began as a once in while meal, to a menu staple. While I don’t advocate convenience foods on the regular. Wednesday night is my late night teaching yoga and when I get in late and just need SOMETHING to eat quickly. This is my go-to.
So let’s look at the nutritional stats real quick. At 430 calories for the whole container it’s not too bad calorie wise. There is a whopping 20g of protein too.And people ask me “where do you get your protein?”.
The package looks rather unappetizing, as most frozen meals do. But just 6 minutes in the microwave and you have a piping hot entree to rival any Indian restaurant at a fraction of the price.
Out the packing & onto the plate
Usually I pair mine with a bunch of broccoli or other green veggies so I can offset the 810 mg of sodium. My top tip for adding the veggies is to defrost the frozen veggies in the fridge during the day so they don’t take as long to cook. This is why menu planning is important!
The protein chunks are a combination of wheat gluten and soy. They are pretty good for a meat substitute. The coconut milk and cashews in the masala sauce makes it rich and flavorful providing all the taste with none of the cruelty.
If you’re looking for a more substantial meal then I highly recommend the Trader Joe’s Tandoori Garlic Naan. It’s in the bakery section (the frozen garlic naan isn’t vegan). My top tip is to freeze the bread, and pop one in the toaster while the Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala is in the microwave. Lovely warm naan to coordinate with the Tikka Masala! Don’t let the name fool you, this bread isn’t too spicy or garlicy, the flavors are subtle.
Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala – Review
Taste wise this Tikka Masala will remind you of all the flavors of India. It’s not too spicy, so is perfect for anyone not used to the tangy flavors of Indian cuisine. For me, I love it. It’s got the spices, flavor and creaminess I adore in masala sauces. The chunks aren’t too soft, or too chewy. They are the cinderella of meat substitutes! And the rice is perfectly soft and fluffy. At a total of 6 minutes cooking time is WAY quicker than it would take to cook it myself.
All in all, two big thumbs up from me. And a huge satisfied smile on my face. Seriously, I have this on menu plan rotation for Wednesday nights when I get home at 8.30pm from work. It’s a godsend! Quick, tasty, delicious and at under $4 so much cheaper than calling for take-out on the way home! Highly recommend.
Questions
- Have you tried this dish from Trader Joe’s?
- Are you a fan of Indian Cuisine?
- Garlic or plain naan?
Why I’m embracing minimalism
Djebe Laws
I have been preparing my shopping list for my biweekly trader Joe trip and i have something new to add to my list
Di Hickman
I’m spoiled in that TJ is literally on my way home from work 3 nights a week. if I forget anything I can pop in after work!
Tonya Morris
This looks SO good! I’ve been looking for some new grocery items to pick up at Trader Joe’s and I think I just found one!
Di Hickman
Oooooh Tonya I could do a whole post on what to buy at TJ’s!
Christa
I love the Trader Joe’s garlic naan but haven’t tried the vegan tikka masala yet. I’m going to pick it up next time I’m there!
Di Hickman
The frozen naan? It’s delicious, but not vegan unfortunately so we stick with the fresh naan in the bakery section (also good, and WAYYY fluffier)
Neely Moldovan
Oh gosh this sounds so good! I need to snag it next time Im there!
Di Hickman
Try it and let me know how you like it!
aisasami
This looks so delicious and I would try it if there was a Trader Joe’s in Japan. I love Indian cuisine! I tell my friends about this new product though!
Di Hickman
Definitely do, if they are in the states Trader Joe’s has a lot of stores here.
NAti
Wow, this meal looks so good I would never have guessed it was frozen meal by looking at the picture!
Di Hickman
Thanks. Yeah it’s one meal that actually looks like the photo on the box LMAO!
Elizabeth O
I’ve tried it and it’s not bad. I usually mix my sauces with fresh vegetables and that adds a layer of taste to the dish.
Di Hickman
Yep. We’ve had it without veggies and it’s NOT the same. It NEEDS veggies IMO. Also the naan bread adds nice flavor to it also.
Holly
This looks delicious. I love Trader Joe’s. They have such a great selection of frozen meals.
Di Hickman
They do! Honestly I do the bulk of my shopping there.
Joline
That looks delicious! I can get lost for hours just wandering the aisles at Trader Joes. There’s so much to discover. I’ll grab this next time we’re there.
Di Hickman
Oh I agree. They pack so much in their stores! It’s full of hidden gems!
pooja Malkani
Frozen meals have been my choice and never hear of Trader Joe but would love to try it out. The meal looks amazing and mouth-watering
Di Hickman
Yep so many great options in the frozen aisles.
Karen Monica
I love Indian cuisine but I have never tried a dish from Trader Joe’s. I must say that it looks very delicious.
Di Hickman
Yep it’s a great quick and easy dish for times when you haven’t got anything prepared.
Stephanie
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s before because there isn’t one close to us. This meal looks delicious, though, so I would definitely pick it up if I get a chance to get to a store.
Di Hickman
Awww boo. Seriously it’s an amazing store!
Angela Tolsma
I haven’t been to Trader Joes in forever, but they definitely have some of the best frozen meals out there. This one looks good!
Di Hickman
Trader Joe’s is amazing. If we ever move they better have a store near us!
Dan
Looks good. I am a big broccoli fan. My girlfriend is a big rice fan. This combines the best of both worlds!
Di Hickman
Broccoli and rice are two of our favorites also!