Craving Restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala? Try This Base Gravy Recipe For A Flavourful Feast

Chicken tikka masala, a delectable dish that tantalizes taste buds with its creamy, aromatic, and flavorful gravy, has captivated the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This blog post presents an authentic chicken tikka masala recipe using base gravy, a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup base gravy (see recipe below)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

Base Gravy Recipe:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Base Gravy:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden brown.
• Add the garlic, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
• Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and add the base gravy. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Add the Finishing Touches:

• Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
• Serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip marinating the chicken. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
• If you don’t have base gravy, you can use a jarred tikka masala sauce instead.
• Serve the chicken tikka masala immediately for the best taste.

Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and potatoes.
• Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top of the chicken tikka masala for a creamy touch.
• Experiment with different types of naan or rice to accompany the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chicken tikka masala with basmati rice, naan, or paratha.
• Accompany it with raita (yogurt sauce), papadum (crispy lentil crackers), and pickled onions.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, or lemon wedges.

Health Benefits of Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Chicken is a lean protein that provides essential amino acids.
• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer.
• Yogurt is a good source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, which support digestive health.
• Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Summing Up the Culinary Delights of Chicken Tikka Masala”

Chicken tikka masala, with its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, is a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This blog post has presented an authentic chicken tikka masala recipe using base gravy, providing you with a step-by-step guide to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen. Experiment with different variations and accompaniments to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Remember, the true joy of cooking lies in the journey of exploration and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. Thighs are generally more flavorful and juicy due to their higher fat content.

Q: How can I make the chicken tikka masala spicier?
A: To increase the spiciness, you can add more red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade and base gravy. Alternatively, serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or chili paste.

Q: Can I freeze chicken tikka masala?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken tikka masala for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it gently over low heat until warmed through.