Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

While the original Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, this Croatian adaptation is prepared on the stovetop. The spices used in the Croatian version are adjusted to suit the local palate, resulting in a slightly milder but equally flavorful dish. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.
5. 5.
   Add the spice mixture to the pan and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
6. 6.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
7. 7.
   Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into a piece to check for any pinkness. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Tomato puree — Use a good quality tomato puree for a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped fresh chili peppers.
• Serve the dish with steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Croatian Chicken Curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the chicken pieces on a bed of steamed rice and pour the curry sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of color.