Chicken Tikka Masala

📝 Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skineless chicken breasts, cubed
• 5 ml (1 tsp) fresh root ginger, finely chopped
• 5 ml (1 tsp) garlic, finely chopped
• 5 ml (1 tsp) chili powder
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) turmeric
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground coriander
• 5 ml (1 tsp) salt
• 150 ml (1/4 pint) natural yogurt
• 60 ml (4 tbsp) lemon juice
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) coriander leaves
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice
• 50 g (2 oz) ghee or 30ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2.5cm (1 inch) piece of fresh root ginger, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 6 cardamoms, bruised
• 10 ml (2 tsp) garam masala
• 10 ml (2 tsp) ground coriander
• 2.5 – 5ml (1/2 – 1 tsp) chili powder
• 300 ml (1/2 pint) double cream
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) tomato purée
• 60 ml (4 tbsp) hot water
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) sugar
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1First, prepare the chicken. Mix together the chicken, ginger, garlic, chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander, salt, yogurt, lemon juice and 15ml (1 tbsp) chopped coriander in a large, non-metallic dish. Cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. 2To make the masala sauce, heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole. Add the onions, ginger, garlic and fry over a low heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until soft but not browned.
3. 3Add the spices and fry, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add the cream, tomato purée, water, sugar and salt. Bring to the boil over a moderate heat, stirring, then lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to stand while cooking the chicken.
4. 4Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread on wooden skewers. Cook under a preheated grill, turning frequently, for 6-8 minutes until tender and cooked through.
5. 5Remove the cubes of chicken from the skewers and put them in the masala sauce. Place over a low heat and simmer, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Add the remaining chopped coriander leaves and the lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. 6Serve immediately, garnished and coriander leaves and slices of lime and accompanied by plain boiled rice, chapattis or naan bread.