Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1

Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl and mix. Add chicken and turn well to coat.

Step 2

Cover with cling wrap and leave in fridge to marinate overnight (3 hours minimum).

Step 3

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick pan over high heat until smoking. Add half the chicken and spread out. Leave for 2 minutes or until charred. Turn each piece and cook the other side until charred - don't worry if not cooked inside. (Note 4, also Video helpful here) Remove into bowl.

Step 4

Scrape out charred bits left in pan and discard. Add more oil if required and cook remaining chicken.

Step 5

Wipe skillet with paper towels (or do this part in a pot as you need a lid). Turn heat down to medium high.

Step 6

Add oil and butter. When butter is melted, add onions, ginger and salt.

Step 7

Cook, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn't burn, until the ginger is starting to turn golden and the onions smell sweet, about 5 - 7 minutes.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and paprika, and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 9

Add the Curry Sauce Spices, and cook a further 2 minutes, stirring.

Step 10

Add tomato passata and water, and mix. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.

Step 11

Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 12

Pour curry into a bowl, then use a stick blender to puree until smooth (Note 5).

Step 13

Return sauce to skillet. Add cream, sugar and butter. Stir to melt the butter.

Step 14

Add chicken, stir. Simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 15

Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of extra garam masala at the end.

Step 16

Serve over basmati rice, sprinkled with coriander/cilantro if desired. Try this No Yeast Flatbread as a quick naan!