Chicken Tikka Masala: Not Actually Indian

• Origin: Chicken tikka is Indian, but chicken tikka masala was invented in Glasgow, UK, now a national dish of the UK.
• Flavor: Tasty and worth making from scratch for friends and family.

Recipe Overview

1. Marination Process: Two-step marination needed before cooking.
2. Cooking Methods: Can use charcoal, barbecue, or oven.
3. Ingredients:
   • Chicken thighs preferred for more flavor and fat.
   • Ginger garlic paste is fundamental.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Step 1: First Marination

• Ingredients:
  • Ginger garlic paste
  • Salt
  • Kashmiri chili powder
  • Juice of half a lemon
• Process:
  • Mix and let set for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Second Marination

• Ingredients:
  • Mustard seed oil (tempered)
  • Kashmiri chili powder
  • Turmeric
  • Garam masala
  • Ground cumin
  • Additional ginger garlic paste
  • Kasoori methi
  • Yogurt
• Process:
  • Temper mustard oil by heating until smoking; then let cool.
  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Add to first marinade and let sit 1-6 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

• Methods:
  • Charcoal grill preferred for flavor.
  • Oven at 250°C for 8-10 minutes as an alternative.
  • Aim for char on the outside, not fully cooked through.

Gravy Preparation

Gravy Ingredients

• Ghee
• Green cardamom
• Cumin seeds
• Bay leaf
• Red onions
• Tomatoes, green chili, coriander stalks
• Ginger garlic paste
• Kashmiri chili powder
• Turmeric
• Cashews

Gravy Process

• Initial Cooking:
  • Heat ghee and add dry spices.
  • Add onions, cook until softened.
  • Add tomatoes, chili, coriander, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Blending:
  • Remove bay leaf and cardamom pods before blending.
  • Blend to desired smoothness.

Final Steps

• Seasoning: Add salt, honey, butter, and cream.
• Combine: Add chicken to gravy for final cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with naan or rice.
• Finish with kasoori methi and coriander.

Conclusion

• Complexity: Multiple steps layer flavors for a superior taste.
• Recommendation: Better than any pre-packaged version.
• Engagement: Encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and try the recipe.