The word Tikka means "bits, pieces". Masala often refers to a gravy made with tomato and spices.
"Tikka Masala" can be made with marinated pieces of Vegetables(Peppers, onions, zuchhini, mushrooms, etc.),
Aloo(potatoes), Gobi(Cauliflower), Paneer, etc.
The recipe is actually very simple.
Marinading
When the vegetables are used the following procedure can be used for marinading:
o 2 cups of Vegetables or Paneer cut to pieces
o 1/4 cup of yogurt. Thick yogurt is a better option. You can either strain yogurt with cheesecloth or use greek yogurt. But if you dont have em you can use just the plain yogurt.
o 1 tbsp coriander powder
o 2 tsp paprika
o 2 tsp chili powder
o Diced ginger 1 tbsp
o 1 tbsp Kasoori methi leaves
o 1 tsp turmeric
o Juice of 1 lime
o 1 tbsp amchoor powder
o 2 tsp of flour (corn, arrow root, wheat or rice in that order of preference) for binding
o Mix spices with yogurt and add vegetables, coat them well, cover the vessel and leave in the fridge for 1 hour or more. (If you are in a hurry, atleast 10 minutes would be needed to marinade otherwise the contents wont absorb the flavor)
Gravy
The gravy is fairly simple. Essentially, it is just pureed tomatoes and aromatics with spices.
o 1 can of tomatoes or about 1 lb of fresh tomatoes - Diced. Fresh ones are better for this dish.
o 1 big onion - diced
o 1 tbsp of ginger and 1 tbsp or garlic (optional)
o 2 tbsp coriander powder
o 1 tbsp Garam Masala powder
o 1 tbsp paprika
o 1 tbsp chili powder
o 2 tsp turmeric
o 1 tsp cumin
o Heat oil, add cumin and when they pop add onions. Add ginger and garlic (or ginger garlic paste) as an option.
After Onions caramelize a bit, add tomatoes
o Once the tomatoes are cooked a bit and disintegrating, add the spices with Garam masala as the last step.
o Cover and cook for 10 mins; Then use a hand blender or food processor to puree the gravy
Putting it together
o Heat some oil, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and when they pop, add the marinated vegetables and fry them for a bit until the vegetables or cooked or when paneer browns a little bit. Do not overcook.
o Add the stir fried vegetables to the gravy and cook for about 5 mins.
o Garnish with Cilantro Leaves.
o Garnish with Cilantro Leaves.
Serving
Tikka Masala can be served over Basmati Rice and it makes a wonderful meal.
It can be had with Roti/Chapati/Puri, etc.
Katti Rolls
You can easily make Katti Rolls out of it with Roti/Chapathi or some flat bread
(Pita, Middle Eastern Flat Bread, Tortilla, Lavash of these can qualify).
Smear a bit of yogurt and optionally any kind of chutney you may have.
Place a bit of Basmati Rice, Tikka Masala and shredded lettuce and roll up the flat bread. That's it!
