Chicken Tikka Masala - A modern interpretation of a classic dish

First of all: This is my interpretation of Chicken Tikka Masala (or simply CTM for short). "The" original recipe for CTM does not exist - everyone has their own version of it. Legend has it that CTM was born in London when a tourist asked for sauce with his chicken at an Indian restaurant - and the proprietor responded by adding Indian spices to a can of Campbell's tomato soup. Today, the CTM can be found on almost every menu in Indian restaurants and, since it originated in England, is considered the "true English national dish". This is my interpretation - mild (but it's always hotter) and with a tiny touch of vanilla:

Ingredients :

Portions: 02

400 g Chicken breast fillet(s)

½ Beecher Natural yogurt

1 p.m. Dose / n Tomato paste, concentrated

2 Tsp Ginger, grated

1 Tsp Garlic, crushed (more if you like)

1 Tsp curry powder

1 Tsp Paprika powder, sweet

2 Tbp. Coriander powder

2 Tbsp cumin powder

1 Tbsp Clove powder

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon Powder

1 Tbsp. Red Chili Powder (more if you like)

1 Tbsp. Garam Masala

2 Tbsp oil (or more according to mixture)

Salt

2 large onion

1 Large lemon 

Preparation:

First, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place in a sealable bowl or a large enough freezer bag. Add the yogurt, tomato paste and all the spices - i.e. garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, curry powder, paprika, coriander, cumin, vanilla powder and cayenne pepper. Mix well so that the meat is well coated in the marinade. Close the bowl (or the freezer bag) and put it in the fridge for several hours (possibly overnight) so that the spices can penetrate the meat nicely.

When the meat is well-done, peel off the shallot, cut into fine cubes, salt and sauté in a little oil until golden (the salt softens the shallot, it later disintegrates in the sauce and gives a nice binding). Now add the meat and marinade and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The yogurt keeps the meat juicy. If the sauce is too thick or too little, simply add a little water.

After seasoning, serve the CTM with grain rice or naan bread and a fresh salad.

Variants: To satisfy the 5-a-day conscience, you can e.g. B. add a diced pepper.

A squirt of lemon juice gives a slightly sour, fruity note.