Friday, February 17, 2012

Chicken Tikka Masala Dance

I borrowed this idea from Rachel Ray, Make Your Own Takeout.

I will grant you that my kids have fairly sophisticated palettes, this is Northern California after all. They will find something to eat on any menu, any cuisine. Recently we were at a farmer's market where there was an Indian stand. They were making naan bread from scratch and it was fascinating. We ordered a chicken tikka masala wrap to share, with the idea that it might be too spicy or adventurous for the little ones.

We were wrong. They loved it! Now every time we go to that farmer's market they ask for the chicken tikka masala wrap, which is just what it sounds like, the chicken and rice wrapped in naan. So one night I tried to make it at home. I Googled around for a recipe, but most called for ingredients that I didn't have on hand, so I just made one up. It's become one of their favorites, there is even a dance that goes with it when they are requesting that for dinner.




This is less of a recipe and more of an approach so forgive the vague measurements.

Ingredients:
-1 package boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes (or chicken breast, tenders, leftover chicken from a supermarket rotisserie chicken...)
-Garlic and onions if you have them
-Indian(-ish) spices from your spice drawer (my assortment included Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cardamon and Curry powder)
-Tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes)
-Milk

Directions:

1) Brown chicken, onions and garlic in olive oil in large saute pan (obviously if you are using rotisserie chicken, just add it after the onions and garlic are soft)
2) Add spices. 1 teaspoon each Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder and Salt. 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, Allspice, Cardamon and Curry Powder. The spices will interact with the oil and become fragrant and slightly toasted.
3) Add 15 ounces of tomatoes, allow this to cook down, about 5-10 minutes
4) Add 1/4 cup milk
5) Now you adjust for taste. More salt if needed, maybe you like pepper, or if you prefer it really spicy more chili powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes etc.


 I served it with brown rice (because that's what I had in the pantry), Raita (Indian yogurt) from Trader Joe's, and steamed broccoli. Huge hit.





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7 comments:

Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

Yum! That looks so good Jessica! Aren't you lucky that your kids are such adventurous eaters! It makes life easier! I have one who is very adventureous and always has been and I have one who is not..and he is harder to feed! Love their little dance! So cute! Angie xo

Unknown said...

Yummy!! I will definitely be putting this on my menu soon! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

I'm your newest follower. I adore your CUTE header!! Did you design that?? I'm in love!

I found you through the mommy blog hop at The Grant Life! Come visit me sometime!!

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

This looks interesting. I think I'm going to try this. I'm pretty bored with our menu these days and could really use something to shake it up!

Linda

momto8 said...

it definitely does seem spicy for little kids!! I experiment on a regular basis with all kinds of foods..so my kids try anything too!! it makes eating FUN!

--Amie-- said...

Looks Yum-o! :) Thanks for the recipe, I'm always willing to try something new! I'm following you from The Grant Life Mommy blog hop!

Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating said...

My husband and I love the tikka masala we make, but my 15-year-old son won't go anywhere near it. If I had parenting to do over again, one of the things I would have changed is introducing him to more sophisticated foods when he was little.

Yash said...

That's awesome!!! I love the fact that your kids love chicken tikka masala at such an young age. Ananya is turning out to be pukka "American" in eating habits. And that is in spite of inherting Indian genes! I have to cook separate meals for her/Americanised versions of Indian dishes. :)

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