Tikka Masala: 3 Ways

Happy New Years!

It's the fifth day of the new year and I already sense a change in the air. For me, 2016 was a year of many milestones and new experiences. I published my first recipe video and one of my food videos - Farhana's Traditional Biryani - went viral. I met new people through blogging and learned of new opportunities. Traveling to Maui was by far the highlight of my year. Spending time with my loved ones, experiencing exciting adventures, and viewing incredible sceneries was exactly as incredible as it sounds. 

For the new year, 2017, I want to dream big. I want to dream big and follow through with my dreams with hard work and persistence. So to any of you out there who have big dreams - you CAN do it! I believe in you. Let's do it together. 

Penne Chicken Tikka Masala

On my 21st birthday, S took me to a great little restaurant in Chicago called Tandoor Char House. It is a Pakistani restaurant that has some pretty unique items in the "fusion" section of their menu. "Penne tikka masala" immediately jumped out to me from the menu. I had to order it and we both fell in love at first bite.

I knew I had to recreate this recipe when S started asking for it at least once a week. So here's my take on this clever fusion dish - penne chicken tikka masala. I hope you give it a try and please share if you do! I'd love to hear from you.

Penne Chicken Tikka Masala

(serves 4-6)

Marinade-

1 lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips

1/3 cup yogurt

1 tbs melted butter

1 tbs heavy cream

1/2 tsp ginger paste

1/2 tsp garlic paste

1/2 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tbsp cumin powder

1/2 tbsp coriander powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp garam masala

1 tsp salt

1 tbs chicken tikka masala powder (optional)

Other ingredients-

1 lb box penne pasta (I used whole grain 13.25 oz box, which was great too)

2 tbs butter

2 tbs oil

1/2 tsp garlic paste

1/2 tsp ginger paste

1 onion, finely chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp chili powder (optional or to taste)

1 inch cinnamon stick

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1 cup (minus the 1 tbs used in the marinade) heavy cream

1/2-1 cup of hot water (optional)

cilantro for topping

grated paneer cheese for topping (optional)

Combine the marinade ingredients together until fully combined. Stir in the chicken until fully coated. Keep covered in the fridge for 4 hours or upto overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan or nonstick pan. Fry the chicken pieces in it for 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat or until fully cooked. Set aside.

Boil the pasta according to box directions. You want to leave it al-dente.

Melt rest of butter and oil in a large pot (I used the same one I boiled the pasta in). Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until it starts to turn golden brown. Add in the garlic and ginger paste and cook for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add in salt, chili powder, and cinnamon and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Add the tomato sauce and cook at a high heat for 5 minutes, constantly stirring, until the oil starts to show through. Add sugar and heavy cream and cook on a low heat, a low simmer, for 2-3 minutes. Add hot water to the pan to thin the sauce to the consistency you like. I added around 3/4 cups of water. Add the chicken and all its juices to the pan.

Cook for a few additional minutes until you are sure the chicken is fully cooked through. Add pasta back to the pan and stir until fully combined. Turn the heat to low and cover and cook for 10-15 minutes so the flavor can infuse into the pasta. Serve with cilantro and freshly grated paneer on top. 

Enjoy!

You may also be interested in this dessert I posted a few weeks back - mango cheesecake. This was what we ordered for dessert from this restaurant. Delicious!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun seasoning is a simple spice blend that you can find easily in grocery stores. Though all cajun spice blends are unique, most include garlic, onion, oregano, salt, black pepper, mustard, and celery. For those of my readers who can't live without this spice blend, believe it or not, this recipe was actually my first time using it. And I have to say, I loved it. 

Pizza Casserole

It was one of those days again - Baby had been crying pretty much all day, barely even giving me a second to use the bathroom in peace let alone to cook a whole meal for dinner! And that was all I could think about... What should I make for dinner; no groceries, no time, what to do?!