Chicken Tikka Masala, · 18 servings

Make sure 2100 g boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) is dry, patting it with kitchen paper if needed, and put it in a mixing bowl.

Add 7.5 to 15 ml Kashmiri chili powder, 15 ml garam masala, 3.5 ml ground turmeric, 15 ml ground coriander, 7.5 ml ground cumin, 7.5 ml salt, 44 ml lemon juice, 44 ml mustard oil or neutral oil, 44 ml ginger garlic paste, 360 ml Greek yogurt or hung curd and 44 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 135 ml neutral oil or ghee in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 540 g onions (1 large or 2 medium) and sprinkle with 15 ml salt. Fry, stirring often, for 10 min to 12 min.

Add 44 ml ginger garlic paste and 3 green chilis and fry for under a minute.

Lower the heat and stir in 7.5 to 15 ml Kashmiri chili powder, 44 ml ground coriander, 30 ml garam masala and 15 to 22 ml ground cumin, stirring quickly so they do not scorch.

Add 1350 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 710 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 15 to 30 ml sugar and 355 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 22 to 44 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 135 ml cream, to garnish and scatter with 135 ml coriander leaves. Serve with naan, paratha or basmati rice.