Chicken Tikka Masala चिकन टिक्का मसाला

Chicken Tikka Masala चिकन टिक्का मसाला

Ingredients:
3 Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp Olive or Groundnut Oil
5 Cardamom Pods
5cm Cinnamon Stick
1 1/2 Onions, finely chopped
2 tsp fresh Ginger, minced
2 tsp Garlic, minced
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 tbsp Paprika
1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
1 large Tomato, finely chopped
1 tsp Tomato Purée
150 ml Water
Salt to taste
1 cup Plain Yoghurt or 1 tin Coconut Milk, if desired
Fresh Coriander to garnish

Instructions:
Season the chicken with a little salt, and set aside.

Make the masala paste.
In a small bowl, Add-in ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala and paprika. Mix well. Set aside.

Put the oil into a pan over a medium heat. When hot, add the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, stir for a few seconds and then remove. This flavors the oil, giving it a wonderful aroma.

Add-in the onions and cook while stirring, until brown.

Add the masala paste and stir for a minute.

Then, add the tomato and tomato purée, and stir for a minute till thoroughly combined. 

Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. 

Taste the sauce and season with salt if necessary.

Add-in the chicken and mix well into the masala.
Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked and tender. Check this by piercing the chicken with a sharp knife - if it goes straight through and comes out clean, it is done.

(For a weaker curry) Add-in yoghurt or coconut milk. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Garnish with coriander leaves, and serve with Naan or Chapatti.