urban odds & ends

Hm, this was really delicious!

The last time Stephan visited Heidelberg, he gifted me with something I always appreciate: cooking stuff :) He bought me in my favourite spicemonger a package of garam masala spice - so it was obvious that I have to cook something indian this weekend. After a quick search in my recipe collection I found a recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala - yum!

2 Chicken breasts

100g Plain yogurt

100g Creme fraîche

1 Can whole tomatoes

1 Large onion, chopped

2 Gloves garlic, finely minced

1 Thumbsized chunk fresh ginger, finely minced

1 Chili pepper, chopped

1 Tbsp. butter

Garam Masala*

Cumin

Ground Coriander

Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Sugar

Salt & Pepper

Preheat oven on 150°C. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, cumin and ground coriander and set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and coat the upper side with yogurt. Put it in the oven for about 30 minutes until the chicken ist totally cooked and lightly golden.

Now you can place a large skillet on medium heat and melt the butter. Toss in the onions and cook until transluscent, add the garlic and ginger and a pinch of salt. Do not forget stirring since garlic burns very fast.

Next you're going to add the garam masala spice and the chili and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Now take a deep breath - smells divine, doesn't it? Add the tomatoes and a pinch of sugar and stirr until the bottom of the pan is deglaced. With a wooden spoon crush the tomatoes and let the mixture simmer lid on for about 25 minutes.

Add the creme fraîche to the Tikka Masala sauce and stir it in. By the time the chicken is ready, chop it up into bitesized chunks and add it to the sauce. Season to taste and add the chopped cilantro.

As side dish we cooked 2 cups rice with a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp. ground turmeric, it gives a nice colour and additional taste.