Chicken Tikka Masala!!!!

Chicken Tikka Masala the nations gone mad over the curry. In England its the most top rated and favorite dish of all. So i thought why not give a version i learnt from my friend who is a top chef.

The dish normally is quite red that's because red food colouring Be's added to the masala paste so that's the only additive in the curry but you could always deduct that and it will taste just as good.

Right so i have decided to make Chicken Tikka Masala the restaurant style way so its going to have 4 different steps of cooking because im going to give you the full recipe from the gravy and masala paste and to the chicken tikka. Don't worry i will make it has simple as possible and I'm sure the end results going to be worth it.

Now lets start with the ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:
For the chicken tikka masala:

• Chicken tikka pieces
• 3 tbsp masala paste
• 2-3 cups base gravy
• 2-3 tbsp coconut powder
• 1tbsp sugar

For the Chicken tikka:

• 2 Chicken breasts cubed
• 1tsp ginger, 1tsp garlic
• 1tsp chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 whole lime juice
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp yogurt (plain)
• 1tsp tikka paste
• 2 tsp of mustard oil

For the Masala paste:
You do not use all the masala paste only use 3 tbsp of it and preserve the rest:

• 500ml plain yogurt
• 2tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp tandoori paste
• 2 tbsp tikka paste
• 1 tsp of mix powder (curry powder)
• 1&1/2 tsp of garam masala
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Coleman's mint
• 1 tsp of red food colouring (optional)

Finally for the Base Gravy;
Again the is for large amount and only use 2 cups of it:

• 2 chopped onion
• 1 carrot
• 1&1/2 peppers
• 2tsp garlic and ginger paste each
• 1tsp salt
  
• vegetable oil or ghee 3 tbsp
• half can of tinned tomatoes
• 1tsp tomato paste
• fresh coriander
  
• 1tsp of all spices each; garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric powders
• 1tsp methi (fenugreek leafs)
• 100ml oil
  

Finally the ingredients are done, i know it looks like allot but that's the secret... the curry looks so simple but in fact it actually bursting with flavours.
Now theres only two 3 separate steps of cooking so first lets start with the chicken tikka.

Chicken tikka:
Step 1... Mix all the spices and the yogurt together and then add the chicken.
After adding the chicken mix it in the marination and then marinate it for 1 hour or more.

Step 2... Once the chicken has marinated put them in to skewers and grill them for about 10-15mins in medium heat and base them with oil in between turning them.
Done.... now put them to a side.

That's the chicken tikka done. So now lets with the BASE GRAVY. Remember you can do the base gravy while your chicken is marinating.

Base Gravy:
Step 1... Heat the pot up with the oil, once oil is heated add the onions, carrots, peppers and garlic and ginger and saute for about 3-4 mins then add everything else in the base Gravy ingredients list.

Step 2... Add 1 & 1/2 Litres of water in the pot and bring to a boil. Once the pot has come to a boil cover it with a lid and let it boil for 1 hour.

Step 3... After a hour let it cool down a little and then Blend it in to a nice not to thin or not to thick consistency.
Done...

That's the base gravy done. While you do the base gravy make sure you make the masala paste, basically mix everything together from the masala paste ingredient list.

So that's the everything done just the main cooking of the Chicken tikka masala is left to be done which is quite easy so get ready for the final step.

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA:
Step 1... In a pan put the coconut powder and the sugar and mix around until heated.

Step 2... Add the gravy base and simmer for 2 mins. Once simmered add the masala paste and stir, then add the chicken pieces and start reducing it.

Step 3... Once reduced add some single cream and garnish with fresh coriander.

Done!!!!

Now that felt like a mission. But finally we have finished. I hope you enjoy it with a nan or pilau.
Like i say "yummy in my tummy".