Chicken Tikka Masala

If I had to pick one dish that I make really well, that would be Chicken Tikka Masala! This was attempt #2 and I totally LOVED it. This reminded me of all the good times I had eating in Mumbai restaurants – served with a little cheese on top..YUM YUM..100 times over..Of all the restaurants I have been to in US,  I have never tasted a Chicken Tikka Masala entrée which would come half as close in taste to the ones found in good old Mumbai.. The best part of this recipe is – It is easy to make and does not need 100 ingredients! Just my kind of recipe!!

I based this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe from the one I found in the Food Network website. In my first attempt, I followed the recipe closely (sans the tomato paste) and the resultant curry was a little on the spicier side for me and my guests. Therefore in my second attempt, I decided to do it my way – I knew the ingredients to use and decided to find my own balance of what quantity is needed and ended up with this recipe.

I really prefer not using superlatives most of the time because something I love could very well be something you hate! so let me add this disclaimer.. this recipe is a keeper (at least for me)

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Chicken Tikka Masala

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Course Indian

Cuisine Main Course

Servings 4

Author Anushree Shetty

Ingredients

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup thick plain yogurt, (hung for 30 minutes to remove whey)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 inch ginger piece, finerly grated or 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces of desired size

Gravy:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced or 1.5 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 2 inch ginger piece, finely grated or 1.5 teaspoon ginger paste
• 6 medium sized tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons sugar, my secret ingredient!
• 2 teaspoons chilli powder
• salt to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro / coriander leaves for garnishing, finely cut
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), optional
• 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese for garnishing, optional

Instructions

• Whisk together all the marinade ingredient to create a smooth paste. Toss the chicken pieces and rub the marinade in the chicken to make sure it is well coated. (Though it is advisable to leave the marinated chicken refrigerated overnight to get the flavor in, I usually don't and it turns out okay).
• Over medium-heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil to a wok or a kadhai. Add ginger garlic paste, green chillies.Let it sizzle for 20-30 seconds. Add tomatoes and fry them well till the oil starts to separate (10 - 15 minutes).Once the gravy has thickened,blend it in a food processor / blender (if you like a smooth texture)
• Meanwhile, place the marinated chicken in a broiler pan,broil on High for 5 - 10 minutes (Timing depends on your oven). Watch it carefully, remove from oven when the chicken begins to char.
• Add the gravy back to your wok on medium heat.Add 1/2 cup water and bring the mixture to boil.
• Add the chicken, salt, chilli powder, garam masala and sugar and let it cook on medium heat for another 10 minutes or so till the chicken is done.
• Reduce heat down to a simmer and add the cream and fenugreek leaves and mix them in. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Take it off heat. Add coriander leaves and mozzarella cheese and serve hot with Rotis, Naan or Rice.

Disclaimer: Approximate Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

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