From the Salivate! kitchen

Tikka Masala

Tikka Masala

The story behind the dish

You could be asking is there a difference between Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken?

They’re both tomato and cream-based sauces and they look almost identical but they are different. Butter Chicken has cashews and milk and Tikka Masala, yoghurt and lemon - amongst other things. Both are incredibly tasty and that’s why they are part of the Salivate! Kitchen.

The recipe

Tikka Masala

Prep time
30 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
1 hour
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 800 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into cubes
  • 1tbsp Tikka Masala Spice Blend
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 3 cm piece ginger
  • 2 tbsp yoghurt
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup canned tomatoes or 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • ¾ cup fresh cream
  • A handful coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • * If you would like this with a bit more punch, then add more of the blend.

Method

  1. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Rub with lemon juice and enough salt. Marinate for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Meanwhile, place garlic, ginger, Salivate! Spice blend and yoghurt in a blender. Process until smooth. Add this paste to the bowl of chicken. Add in oil and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
  3. When you are ready, preheat pan or bbq. Grill or fry, turning occasionally, for 15 – 20 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.
  4. Meanwhile heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add ginger. Sauté until aromatic. Add tomato paste and fry for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes. Sauté until they are soft and mushy. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add lemon juice and cream. Add in enough water to make a thick sauce. Season with salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Add more water if needed.
  6. Add coriander (cilantro) leaves. Heat through. Stir in the grilled chicken. Garnish with more coriander leaves if you like. Serve with naan, roti or rice.