Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

1/2 kg boneless chicken, cut into pieces

2 1/2-3 tbsp yogurt

1 1/2 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp pepper powder

3/4 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp lime juice

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

2 small tomatoes

1 tsp cumin seeds

2-2 1/2 tbsp fresh cream

1/2 tsp kasuri methi

1 tsp ghee

oil, as required

salt to taste

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, take cleaned chicken pieces and add lime juice, yogurt, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala and salt and mix well with spoon.
2. Add 1/2 tsp ginger paste, 1/2 tsp garlic paste and 1 tbsp oil and mix well. Keep it covered for minimum 30 minutes.
3. Grind tomatoes using a blender and keep it aside.
4. Heat little oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken pieces for 5 minutes on each side at low-medium flame. Keep it aside.
5. Heat 3-4 tbsp oil in a thick bottomed pan and add cumin seeds and chopped onion and saute till soft.
6. Add 1/2 tsp garlic paste and 1/2 tsp ginger paste and saute well.
7. Add tomato paste ( step 3) and saute well for 5-6 minutes.
8. Add 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala and little salt and mix well and saute well for 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tbsp water if required.
9. Then add 1 cup of water and mix well. When it boils well, add chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes.
10. Add cream and mix well. Add kasuri methi and ghee and mix well.
11. Remove from the flame and serve hot...