Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe. A traditional and very popular Indian chicken dish full of flavor and color. A rich creamy orange gravy coupled with tender pieces of chicken makes it a perfect dish for a lovely traditional Indian meal.

Spices needed:

5 cardamom pods

5cm cinnamon stick

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp coriander powder

¼ tsp turmeric powder

½ to 1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp garam masala powder

Rest of the ingredients:

3 chicken breasts

4 tbsp olive or groundnut oil

1 ½ onions

2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

2 tsp garlic, minced

1 large tomato

1 tsp tomato purée

150 ml water

Salt to taste

Yoghurt or 1 tin coconut milk, if desired

Fresh coriander to garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Chop the tomato finely and set aside for later use.
Step 2: Finely chop the onions and set aside.
Step 3: Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with a little salt and also put to one side
Step 4: Mix together the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala and paprika.

Step 5: Put the oil into a pan over a medium heat.
Step 6: When hot, add the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, leave for a few seconds and then remove. This flavors the oil, giving it a wonderful aroma. 
Step 7: Add the onions and cook while stirring, until brown.

Step 8: Add the masala paste and stir for a minute.(from Step 4)

Step 9: Add the tomato and tomato purée and stir for a minute till thoroughly combined.
Step 10: Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Taste the sauce and season with salt if necessary.

Step 11: Add the chicken cubes and mix well into the masala. Simmer for 10-12 minutes

Step 12: Place the chicken on a serving dish, decorate with coriander leaves and serve.