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Creamy Indian-Spiced Tikka Masala Dip Recipe Easy Perfect for Naan

creamy tikka masala dip - featured image

A creamy, flavorful Indian-spiced tikka masala dip made with a tangy tomato base, garam masala, and silky yogurt, perfect for dipping with warm naan bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred, low-fat works too)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes (recommend Muir Glen brand)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 46 pieces fresh naan bread (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (a handful, optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or oil) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1 minute until aromatic, careful not to burn.
  4. Pour in 1 cup crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine with the spices and aromatics. Let simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly and deepens in color.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly add 1 cup Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons heavy or coconut cream, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Heat for 3-4 minutes until the dip is creamy and smooth. Avoid boiling.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
  7. While the dip simmers, warm 4-6 pieces of naan in a dry skillet or oven until soft and slightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve warm alongside the naan for dipping.

Notes

Toast spices gently to release full flavor without burning. Add yogurt slowly over low heat to prevent curdling. The dip tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Warm naan in a dry skillet or oven before serving. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt and cream with coconut yogurt and coconut cream. Adjust spice level by varying chili powder. If dip is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or cream; if too thin, simmer longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: tikka masala dip, Indian dip recipe, creamy dip, naan dip, easy appetizer, Indian spices, garam masala dip