Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala marinates chicken in yogurt, curry powder, garlic, and ginger, then grills or broils it before simmering in a sauce of tomato puree, garam masala, and heavy cream. The yogurt's lactic acid tenderizes the surface of the meat while carrying the spices deeper into the flesh. Sauteing onion in butter, then cooking tomato puree with garam masala for fifteen minutes rounds off the raw edges of the spices and builds the sauce's foundation. Heavy cream folded in at the end wraps the tomato acidity and spice heat in a smooth, rich body that balances the dish. Marinating overnight allows the spices to penetrate fully, producing noticeably more flavor than a short soak.
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Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken in yogurt, curry powder, garlic, and ginger - overnight or 30 minutes.
- 2
Grill or broil chicken until slightly charred on the outside.
- 3
Sauté onion in butter; add garlic and ginger.
- 4
Add tomato puree and garam masala; simmer 15 minutes.
- 5
Add grilled chicken and cream; simmer 10 more minutes.
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