Chicken Tikka Masala - A Taste of India in Your Home Kitchen - Thursday, Week 26

It's Thursday, and we are taking a flavorful journey to India with Chicken Tikka Masala! This dish, often considered the national dish of Britain, is a popular Indian-inspired curry that is loved worldwide. Let's dive into its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of chicken!

Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 can (400g or 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and garam masala. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or naan bread, and you'll have a meal that feels like a banquet in an Indian palace. To complete the experience, consider pairing this dish with a fruity and aromatic Gewürztraminer.

Enjoy your delicious Indian feast!

Happy cooking!