Chicken Tikka Masala, · 3 servings

Make sure 350 g boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) is dry, patting it with kitchen paper if needed, and put it in a mixing bowl.

Add 1 to 2.5 ml Kashmiri chili powder, 2.5 ml garam masala, 0.6 ml ground turmeric, 2.5 ml ground coriander, 1 ml ground cumin, 1 ml salt, 7.5 ml lemon juice, 7.5 ml mustard oil or neutral oil, 7.5 ml ginger garlic paste, 60 ml Greek yogurt or hung curd and 7.5 ml kasuri methi. Mix until every piece is coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 h and up to 48 h.

While the masala simmers, heat the oven to 240 °C. Thread the chicken onto skewers and set them on a rack over a tray.

Roast for 9 min to 10 min, turn the skewers with tongs and roast the other side for the same time.

Switch to the grill (broiler) and cook for 2 min to 3 min more.

Heat 22 ml neutral oil or ghee in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 90 g onions (1 large or 2 medium) and sprinkle with 2.5 ml salt. Fry, stirring often, for 10 min to 12 min.

Add 7.5 ml ginger garlic paste and ½ green chilis and fry for under a minute.

Lower the heat and stir in 1 to 2.5 ml Kashmiri chili powder, 7.5 ml ground coriander, 5 ml garam masala and 2.5 to 3.5 ml ground cumin, stirring quickly so they do not scorch.

Add 225 g ripe tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the masala is very thick. Fresh tomatoes take 7 min to 8 min; passata about 2 min.

Pour in 120 ml hot water, bring to a rolling boil, cover and simmer.

For a restaurant-smooth sauce, cool it slightly, blend until smooth and return it to the pot. This also tames the acidity of canned tomatoes.

Stir 2.5 to 5 ml sugar and 59 ml heavy or whipping cream into the simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes.

Check the consistency, adding a little hot water if it is too thick. Add the grilled tikka and 3.5 to 7.5 ml kasuri methi and simmer for 2 min to 3 min. Taste and adjust the salt, garam masala and sugar.

Turn off the heat, swirl over 22 ml cream, to garnish and scatter with 22 ml coriander leaves. Serve with naan, paratha or basmati rice.