CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that is made by marinating small pieces of chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The chicken is then skewered and grilled or baked until cooked through.
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The masala sauce is made by cooking onions, garlic, and ginger in oil or ghee until soft and fragrant. Tomatoes, cream, and a variety of spices are then added to the mixture and simmered until the flavors have melded together. The cooked chicken pieces are then added to the sauce and simmered for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to fully combine.
The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice, naan bread, or roti. It has become a popular dish in many countries around the world and is often considered a staple in Indian cuisine.
📃Here are some tips for making a delicious chicken tikka masala:
📍Marinate the chicken:
Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices overnight will help to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it tender.
📍Grill or broil the chicken:
Grilling or broiling the chicken will give it a nice char and smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish.
📍Use ripe tomatoes:
Fresh ripe tomatoes are key to making a flavorful sauce. If you can't find ripe tomatoes, you can also use canned tomatoes.
📍Cook the spices:
Toasting the spices in oil before adding the other ingredients will help to deepen their flavor and bring out their aromas.
📍Add cream at the end:
Adding cream towards the end of the cooking process will help to thicken the sauce and give it a rich, creamy texture.
📍Adjust the seasoning:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, sugar, and lemon juice to balance the flavors.
📍Garnish with fresh herbs:
Adding fresh cilantro or parsley to the finished dish will add a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color.
📍Serve with naan or rice:
Chicken tikka masala is traditionally served with naan bread or rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Here is a recipe that will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
For the chicken marinade:
500g boneless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Mix well, making sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
2. Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and grill or bake until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
3. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the heavy cream and salt to taste, stirring well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Serve hot with naan bread. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!