Chicken Tikka Masala

Here's a recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tikka:500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
Salt to taste

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 cup tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with the marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.


Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken on a preheated grill.


In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.


Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, add cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the spices for a minute to release their flavors.


Stir in the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.


Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.


Add the baked or grilled chicken tikka pieces to the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.


Stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated into the sauce.


Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.


Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot with naan bread or steamed rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!