Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India! This Tikka Masala with Madras Curry is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that promises to revolutionize your home cooking. Imagine creating a restaurant-quality dish that's so rich, creamy, and aromatic, your family and friends will be begging for seconds before the first bite is even finished. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to mastering the art of Indian cuisine with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic and ginger, and measuring out the spices and liquids.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and allow it to become hot.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly to prevent burning, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the Madras curry powder over the onion mixture, stirring to coat evenly and toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aromatic oils.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan, stirring to coat with the spice mixture, and cook until the chicken begins to turn white on the outside, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The sauce should thicken and become rich and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Spice Selection: Use fresh, high-quality Madras curry powder for the most authentic and intense flavor profile.
- Chicken Preparation: Ensure chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Spice Toasting: Take extra care when toasting the curry powder - this releases essential oils and deepens the flavor, but be careful not to burn.
- Slow Simmer Secret: The magic happens during the low and slow 45-50 minute simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop its signature rich, creamy consistency.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm, fluffy basmati rice or fresh naan bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for an even more developed flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 90mg
