Chicken Tikka Masala

Method

1. 1

   Mix the yogurt with half the garlic, ginger and spices; marinate the chicken at least 1 hour, or overnight.

2. 2

   Sear the marinated chicken in a hot pan or under a broiler until charred at the edges; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

   💡 Real char matters here — that blackened edge is the whole 'tikka' flavor.

3. 3

   Melt the butter, soften the onion, then add the remaining garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in the canned tomato and simmer until it darkens and reduces.

5. 5

   Blend or mash the sauce smooth, then return it to the pan with the cream and seared chicken; simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

6. 6

   Stir in the cilantro and adjust salt to taste.