Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala
Classic Indian curry made with tandoori chicken tikka, in a creamy tomato and spice-based sauce. Served with rice or naan.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish of debated origins, widely believed to have been created in the United Kingdom, likely in Glasgow, Scotland, in the 1970s. It is thought to have been adapted by chefs of South Asian descent to suit the palates of British customers. The dish blends the flavors of Indian tandoori cooking with a creamy, tomato-based sauce, a characteristic more commonly found in Western cuisine. While the 'tikka' element has roots in traditional Indian cuisine, the 'masala' sauce is generally considered a British invention.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala has become a symbol of the UK's multicultural food scene, representing a successful fusion of Indian culinary traditions and British tastes. It is often considered a quintessential British-Indian dish and is enjoyed widely across the UK and beyond.
National Dish (unofficial)
While not officially declared, Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala is often regarded as Britain's national dish, reflecting the country's embrace of global cuisine.
Restaurant Staple
It is a ubiquitous dish on the menus of Indian restaurants throughout the UK, showcasing its popularity and accessibility.
Symbol of Integration
The dish represents the successful integration of Indian flavors into British food culture, demonstrating how different cultures can enrich and influence each other's culinary traditions.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala offers a complex interplay of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors. The chicken tikka contributes a charred, spiced, and slightly tangy profile, while the masala sauce delivers richness, sweetness, and subtle heat.
The dominant flavors include smoky char from the tandoor-cooked chicken, balanced by the rich creaminess of the tomato-based sauce. The sauce typically includes ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder for subtle heat, and often cream or yogurt for a smooth texture. The use of fenugreek leaves provides a unique aromatic component and adds a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.
Marination Time
Marinate the chicken tikka for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
Tandoor Alternative
If you don't have a tandoor oven, you can grill the chicken tikka on a barbecue or bake it in a hot oven for a similar smoky effect.
Spice Balance
Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the level of heat in the masala sauce. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for a vibrant flavor.
Creamy Texture
Adding a touch of cream or yogurt at the end of cooking helps to create a smooth and luxurious sauce. You can also use cashew paste for a vegan alternative.
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