Savoring the Aromas of India: Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian cuisine is celebrated for its rich and aromatic dishes, and one that stands out is Chicken Tikka Masala. This flavorful and creamy curry dish combines marinated and grilled chicken with a luscious tomato-based sauce. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own homemade Chicken Tikka Masala and experience the tantalizing aromas of India.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Chicken Marinade*:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste (or minced ginger and garlic)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

*For the Tikka Masala Sauce*:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

**Instructions**:

**For the Chicken Marinade**:

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Mix to form a smooth marinade.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill or broil them until they are cooked through and have a slight char. Set the grilled chicken aside.

**For the Tikka Masala Sauce**:

1. In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder to the pan. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes until they are aromatic.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

5. Add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine.

6. Gently fold in the grilled chicken pieces and simmer the sauce for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Season the Tikka Masala sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Serve your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Now, you can savor the aromas of India with your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. This delightful curry dish offers a symphony of spices and flavors, making it a perfect representation of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the rich and aromatic tastes of India right in your own kitchen! बड़ी स्वादिष्ट! (Badi swadisht, which means "very delicious" in Hindi)