Murg Tikka Masala Recipe – A Deliciously Flavorful Dish from Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi
Murg Tikka Masala is a classic Indian dish that combines tender chicken tikka (grilled marinated chicken) with a rich, creamy, and flavorful gravy. Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s version of this dish brings the authentic taste of India to your table, filled with a perfect balance of spices and cream. Here’s how to make this iconic dish:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup yogurt (thick and fresh)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cream (heavy cream)
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for gravy consistency)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, cumin powder, and kasuri methi.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well so that each piece is coated evenly.
- Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cooking the Chicken Tikka:
- Grilling Option: Preheat your grill or tandoor. Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill them for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also baste with a little oil or butter for extra flavor.
- Pan-Fry Option: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
3. Making the Gravy:
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the oil starts to separate from the mixture and the tomato paste thickens.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
4. Bringing It Together:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces into the gravy and mix gently so that the chicken is coated with the sauce.
- Pour in the fresh cream and stir until everything is well combined. Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy (it should be thick but pourable).
- Let the dish simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add honey or sugar at this point.
5. Final Touches:
- Garnish the Murg Tikka Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips:
- For Smoky Flavor: If you’re not using a grill, you can achieve a smoky flavor by adding a small piece of charcoal to the gravy. Place the charcoal in a small metal bowl, heat it until red-hot, and place it in the center of the pan with a bit of ghee. Cover the pan immediately to trap the smoke, and let it infuse the dish for 5-10 minutes.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. If you can, marinate the chicken overnight for the best results.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy gravy, you can add a little more cream or even a tablespoon of cashew paste for richness.
Enjoy!
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s Murg Tikka Masala is an indulgent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or any day you crave something rich and aromatic. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the creamy, spiced gravy will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!