Quick Chicken Tikka Masala Style Curry

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp ghee
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves (whole)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 garlic and ginger blocks (store-bought frozen cubes)
• 200 ml passata (Mutti brand recommended)
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 handful crispy fried onions
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 0.5 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp Kashmir chilli powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 500 g chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 0.75 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
• 2 green chillies
• Kasuri methi (pinch)
• fresh coriander (pinch, chopped)
• 100 ml single cream
• 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• water (as needed for sauce consistency)

Steps

1. 1

   Place 4 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 2 bay leaves, and 2 cardamom pods. Cook the whole spices for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. 2

   Add 2 garlic and ginger blocks to the pan and cook until softened.

3. 3

   Pour in 200ml of passata (Mutti brand recommended). Cook this out for a few minutes.

4. 4

   Add 2 teaspoons of onion powder and a handful of crispy fried onions. Stir and cook thoroughly.

5. 5

   Add the ground spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 tablespoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon Kashmir chilli powder, and 1 teaspoon garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.

6. 6

   Add a splash of water and let the base cook for about 5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.

7. 7

   Add 500g of chicken thighs and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook for a few minutes to sear the chicken.

8. 8

   Add enough water to create a sauce, then cover and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

9. 9

   Add 2 green chillies, a pinch of Kasuri methi, and a pinch of fresh coriander. Cook for another 2 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir in 100ml of single cream and 1 teaspoon of sugar to achieve the tikka masala flavor profile. Simmer for a final few minutes until the sauce is rich and well-combined.

Notes

The author emphasizes using Mutti brand passata for the best flavor. The crispy fried onions replace the need for chopping and browning fresh onions, significantly reducing prep time.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken curry
• tikka masala
• quick dinner
• stovetop
• spicy