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Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe with a Twist of Punjab and British Influence

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Chicken Tikka Masala is a quintessential dish that beautifully blends the flavors of Punjab and British influences. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have been created in Indian restaurants in the UK, catering to British tastes by marrying tender chicken tikka with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish represents the fusion of Indian spices and British culinary preferences, showcasing the beauty of cultural exchange through food.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Chicken (Murgh)
  • Yogurt (Dahi)
  • Tomato (Tamatar)
  • Onion (Pyaz)
  • Ginger (Adrak)
  • Garlic (Lehsun)
  • Garam Masala
  • Turmeric (Haldi)
  • Cumin (Jeera)
  • Coriander (Dhaniya)
  • Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
  • Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
  • Cream
  • Butter
  • Oil
  • Salt

✨ What Makes It Special

Chicken Tikka Masala showcases variations within India, with the British influence adding a unique twist. In Punjab, the dish traditionally features marinated and grilled chicken tikka simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce. In contrast, the British version often includes cream to enhance richness, showcasing the adaptability of Indian cuisine to global palates.

📝 Ingredients

  • 500g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the spice blend:

  1. Toast 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, and 2-3 dried red chilies until fragrant.
  2. Grind the toasted spices along with 1-inch cinnamon stick, 3-4 green cardamom pods, and a pinch of nutmeg to a fine powder.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, and salt for at least 2 hours.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and cook the marinated chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger and garlic, followed by the spice blend and garam masala.
  5. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
  6. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Finish with cream and adjust seasoning as needed.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Marination: 2 hours
  • Cooking: 30 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Tikka Masala hot with fragrant basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a dollop of cream for an authentic touch. Pair it with cucumber raita or pickled onions to balance the flavors.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken tikka before adding it to the sauce.
  • Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences, keeping in mind the balance of flavors.
  • Use Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color without excessive heat.

📦 Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce's richness.

Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and textures in this iconic dish that symbolizes the harmonious fusion of culinary traditions. Experience the warmth and depth of flavors that Chicken Tikka Masala brings to Indian cuisine, inviting you on a culinary journey that transcends borders.