Chicken Tikka Masala

After having tried Indian food with my sister Lara, I was hooked and have loved eating it.  Scott and I love to eat at Bombay House in Provo, but we don't get to go often.  This recipe from "Favorite Family Recipes" is one that we enjoy eating (and making together) at home.  Serve with homemade naan or Costco mini naan and rice!

Ingredients:
Marinate - 

• 1 C yogurt, plain (Greek or regular works fine)
• 1 T lemon juice
• 2 t ground cumin
• 1 t ground cinnamon
• 1/4 t cayenne pepper
• 1 t ground pepper, fresh if possible
• 1 T minced fresh ginger (or 1 t ground ginger)
• 1 t salt
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 4 long skewers

Sauce -

• 1 T butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 t ground cumin
• 2 t paprika
• 1 t salt
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 C heavy cream
• 1/4 C cilantro, chopped (I have never done this since I very rarely have cilantro on hand)

1. In large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 t cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground pepper, ginger and 1 t salt.  Stir in chicken, cover and refrigerate 1 hour.  Preheat grill for high heat.  Lightly oil the grill grate.  Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.  Grill 5 minutes on each side (or until internal temperature reaches 165 F).

2. For sauce: melt butter in a large skillet.  Saute garlic for 1 minute.  Season with 2 t cumin, paprika and 1 t salt.  Stir in tomato sauce and cream.  Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.  Add grilled chicken and simmer for 10 minutes (if you can wait that long). 

3. Transfer to a serving platter (and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro :D). Serve over rice and dip naan in sauce.