Try a healthier and more vibrant twist on the classic Tikka Paste with this beautiful Homemade Green Tikka Curry Paste. It will take your Indian food from delicious to spectacular!

We love Indian food here in the UK. Packed with spices and bold flavours, Indian food can be a really tasty diabetic-friendly option. But I’m not talking about the food from your local takeaway. Instead, it’s about taking control of the ingredients and cooking deliciously healthy Indian food at home.

Whilst pre-made sauces and pastes can be absolute time savers in the kitchen and I use them a lot like in my Base Curry Sauce and Harissa Butterbean Stew Recipe. Sometimes you want that extra something – a fresher, brighter flavour that takes your meal from delicious to spectacular all while not sending your blood sugar on a rollercoaster. That’s where this homemade green tikka masala paste comes in.

Now, I’ll be honest, I first came across green tikka masala paste from Waitrose. The flavour explosion was incredible, but the ingredient list left me wanting a simpler, fresher and more customisable option. This homemade tikka curry paste captures that same essence but with fewer ingredients and the freedom to adjust the spice level to your preference. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and store!

Why Make Your Own Green Tikka Masala Paste?

Beyond the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, there are several perks to making your own curry paste:

Freshness – Store-bought pastes often contain preservatives to extend shelf life. Homemade paste delivers a burst of vibrant flavour thanks to fresh ingredients.
Control the Sugar – Many pre-made pastes can be surprisingly high in hidden sugars. Crafting your own allows you to adjust the sweetness with low-glycemic options like stevia or xylitol (if desired). This also helps prevent any unwanted blood sugar spikes.
Customise the Spice – I use a medium-heat fresh green chilli for a milder kick. But if you want more spice, use smaller chilli varieties like finger chillies. The control is all yours!
Versatility: This paste isn’t a one-trick pony! As you’ll see below in the serving suggestions. Not only is it great for curries but this paste can be used in marinades, dips, dressings and sauces.

the Key Ingredients in Your Green Tikka Masala Paste

Now we’ll take a look into the key ingredients and the different flavour profiles they add to this Indian curry paste:

Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds

Dry-frying these seeds unlocks all their aromatic glory. Coriander adds a warm, citrusy tone, while the cumin brings a deep, earthy warmth.

Fresh Coriander & Green Chilies

Fresh coriander is the heart and soul of this paste. Its vibrant leaves offer a unique blend of citrusy and peppery flavour. While the green chilli adds a touch of heat. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount based on your preference.

Red Onion, Garlic & Ginger

These three ingredients form the base of any Indian dish. Red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of bite, while garlic and ginger bring a pungent warmth.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the paste and adds a touch of brightness. It also helps to preserve the vibrant green colour.

But don’t forget the supporting cast! Rapeseed oil provides a neutral base for blending, while salt enhances all the other flavours. Ground turmeric and cumin adds a subtle earthy note and a beautiful golden hue, but doesn’t overpower the fresh green character of this paste.

How to make Green Tikka Paste

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The process is so straightforward you could even whip this paste up for a healthy and flavorful meal on a weeknight. Or even meal plan and make this paste on the weekend ready to use throughout the week!

coriander and cumin seeds in a frying pan

Start by dry frying the coriander seeds and cumin seeds for 2 minutes in a pan over a medium heat. Watch closely – you want them fragrant but not burnt.

green tikka curry paste in a food processor

In a small blender, combine the spices, green chilli, red onion, garlic, ginger, fresh coriander leaves and stalks, lemon juice, rapeseed oil, and salt.

Start by pulsing the ingredients a few times to break them down. Then, gradually increase to a continuous blend until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green paste.

You might need to scrape down the sides occasionally or add a tbsp or so of water to ensure everything gets incorporated and reaches your desired consistency.

Finally, give your paste a taste! You can adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice or add more chilli for a spicier kick.

Beyond the Bowl: Exploring the Versatility of Green Tikka Masala Paste

This vibrant paste is so versatile suitable for vegans and is completely diabetic-friendly. But this taste sensation is more than just a curry base. Here are just a few ideas to get you started on how to use it:

Classic Chicken Tikka Masala – Use your paste to create a restaurant-worthy chicken tikka masala, simmering chicken pieces in a creamy coconut sauce all flavoured with this fragrant paste.
- Swap chicken for succulent prawns or flaky white fish. The aromatic green paste complements the delicate sweetness of seafood. Serve with fluffy whoelgrain basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Turn this into a vegetarian showstopper! Roast a medley of colourful vegetables like cauliflower, peppers, and aubergine, then coat them in the fragrant green masala and add them to the creamy base sauce. Top with a sprinkle of toasted cashews for added crunch.
For a protein-packed vegetarian option, use lentils. They simmer beautifully in the masala, absorbing all the delicious flavours. Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a balanced and satisfying meal.

But this paste isn’t just for curries:

Make a Marinade: Marinate chicken, fish, or tempeh in a mixture of green tikka masala paste, Greek yoghurt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a flavorful and protein-rich meal prep option. Simply grill, bake, or pan-fry your marinated protein and enjoy!
Make a Dip: Thin it down with a little coconut yoghurt or coconut milk and lemon juice for a flavorful dip or sauce to add to your kebabs and naan
Soup Saviour: Want to add a burst of flavour to your next bowl of soup? Swirl in a spoonful of green tikka masala paste near the end of cooking for a warm, aromatic twist. Try swapping in place of the Zhoug in my Healthy Green Harissa Soup
Spicy Scramble: For a breakfast or brunch with a kick, add a dollop of green tikka masala paste to your cooked scrambled eggs. The aromatic spices and subtle heat will take your eggs to a whole new level.
Roasted Vegetables with Green Tikka Masala Glaze: Toss cauliflower, broccoli, and chickpeas with the paste before roasting for a delightful side dish.
Green Tikka Masala Nourish Bowl: Layer on top of baby spinach, roasted green tikka marinated chicken or tofu, Bombay Potatoes, and Indian Tomato Salald with a dollop of yoghurt

Veggie Stir-fry: Elevate your veggie stir-fry with a generous dollop of this paste. The aromatic blend infuses your vegetables for a delicious way to serve as a side with your Indian meals.

Feel free to experiment and discover your own favourite ways to use this flavour bomb.

Storing Your Curry Paste

Use a clean and sterilised screw top or lidded glass jar to ensure the freshest of pastes. Plus you don’t want that flavour seeping into your plastic.

Store in the Refrigerator: For shorter storage, up to 2 weeks, transfer the paste to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. I have kept mine in the fridge for longer!

Tip: Add a layer of olive oil to the top of the paste before storing to create a barrier and prevent oxidation.

Freeze it in Portions: Divide the paste into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop out frozen cubes and store in a resealable bag so they are ready to grab as and when needed for a quick and flavorful curry base.

More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:

Diabetes Note

While this green tikka masala paste packs a flavour punch, it allows you to control the ingredients, making it a diabetic-friendly way to enjoy curries and other flavorful dishes.

Plus it is totally carb count free so you can enjoy as much as you like!

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