Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Introduction:
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that has gained widespread popularity in the UK and around the world. It is a rich and flavorful dish that combines marinated chicken pieces with a creamy tomato-based sauce. While the origins of the dish are debated, it is widely accepted that it was created in the UK by Indian chefs who adapted traditional Indian recipes for the British palate. This recipe for chicken tikka masala is a classic example of the dish and is sure to impress your dinner guests.
The Ingredients:
The ingredients for this chicken tikka masala recipe are readily available in most supermarkets. The recipe calls for boneless and skinless chicken thighs, which are cut into bite-sized pieces. These are marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and a variety of spices, including mild chili powder, ground cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. The sauce is made from ripe vine or plum tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, chili powder, butter, green chilies, single cream, dried fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and sugar. The spiced butter, which is optional, is made from ghee or butter, black mustard seeds, dried whole Kashmiri chili, and dried curry leaves.
The Method:
To prepare the dish, the chicken is first marinated in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least an hour, or overnight in the fridge. The marinated chicken is then baked in the oven until lightly browned. Meanwhile, the sauce is made by simmering the tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices until the tomatoes have completely disintegrated. The mixture is then blended and passed through a sieve to make a smooth purée. The purée is then simmered with additional spices and butter before the chicken pieces are added. The dish is then simmered until the chicken is fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened. Finally, the chopped ginger, green chilies, cream, fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and sugar are added to the sauce. The optional spiced butter is warmed in a separate pan and spooned over the curry before serving.
Conclusion:
This recipe for chicken tikka masala is a classic example of the dish and is sure to impress your dinner guests. While the origins of the dish are debated, it is widely accepted that it was created in the UK by Indian chefs who adapted traditional Indian recipes for the British palate. The recipe calls for boneless and skinless chicken thighs, marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt and spices, and baked in the oven before being simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is flavorful and aromatic, and can be served with naan bread or basmati rice, and chutney.
