By Chef Rupam Bhagat

Serves 4-6 people

 Ingredients for Sauce

• 2 lbs. Roma tomatoes
• 1 lb. Roasted red pepper
• 4 Star anise, whole
• 4 green cardamoms, whole
• 6 green cardamoms, whole
• 12 oz butter
• 3 Fl oz canola oil
• 6 oz 24 Mantra ginger garlic paste
• 2 Tbsp 24 Mantra chili powder
• 2 Tbsp 24 Mantra ground coriander
• 2 Tbsp 24 Mantra ground turmeric
• 1 Tbsp 24 Mantra cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
• 2 Bay leaves
• ½ qt tap water
• 16 Fl oz heavy cream
• 1 oz granulated sugar
• Kosher salt to taste

Ingredients for Chicken Tikka

• 10 oz whole milk yogurt
• 2 tsp 24 Mantra ground turmeric
• 2 tsp 24 Mantra chili powder
• 1 Tbsp 24 Mantra ground coriander
• 1 Tbsp 24 Mantra cumin powder
• 1 Fl oz lemon Juice
• 4 oz 24 Mantra ginger garlic paste
• 2 lbs. chicken thigh, boneless, skinless 
• Kosher salt to taste

Recipe Preparation

Chicken Tikka:

• Combine the yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, cumin, lemon juice, Ginger-Garlic Paste and salt in a container and mix well.
• Add the chicken, mix to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade.
• Cover and store in the cooler to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
• Place the chicken in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet pans and roast 500F until the chicken is cooked through to 165 F, about 10-15 minutes.

Tikka Masala Sauce:

• Blend the tomatoes, roasted red pepper.         
• Place the butter and canola oil in a pot over a high heat.
• Add the bay leaves, star anise, black cardamom, green cardamom, and cinnamon and sauté to toast the spices, about 30-60 seconds.
• Add the Garlic-Ginger Paste and sauté until caramelized, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the chili powder, coriander, cumin, dried fenugreek leaves and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
• Add the tomato-red pepper puree mixture and bring to a boil.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors developed, about 15-20 minutes.
• Return to the pan and add the cream, sugar, salt and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened slightly about 10-15 minutes

• Combine chicken with the Tikka Masala sauce.
• Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 12-15 mins adjust seasoning to Taste.