The Story of Chicken Tikka Masala
The chicken tikka masala is a South Asian dish made by roasting marinated boneless chicken pieces and then tossing them in creamy and spicy gravy. The chicken pieces are primarily cooked in a tandoor and then served in this special sauce or curry.
It may have originated from a trendy Punjabi dish called Butter Chicken. However, the Indians and Bangladeshi chefs living in Great Britain have made it popular under the name of “Chicken Tikka Masala”.
However, the origin of this dish is a big question. Some people believe that it originated in the late 1970s by Bangladeshi chefs in Glasgow, Scotland. Some believe that this dish was created in Northern India from a famous Punjabi dish, Butter Chicken.
Origin of Chicken Tikka Masala
The origin of chicken tikka masala is still a significant matter of debate. Mr Ali Ahmed Aslam is deemed to be the creator of chicken tikka masala. He ran the Shish Mahal Restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland.
One day, one of his customers complained that the chicken was dry and not juicy and tender. The customer was an ulcer patient and was on a liquid-based diet, so he asked Mr Ali to serve the chicken in tomato soup with a touch of spices. This was the birth of Chicken Tikka Masala. In 2009, Labour MP Mohamad Sarwar came forth in the House of Commons requesting the Parliament to recognise Glasgow as the home of chicken tikka masala legally.
Alternatively, the other story behind the origin of chicken tikka masala is by food historians Colleen and Peter Grove. They firstly believed that this was invented by a Bangladeshi chef living in Britain. They attributed the development of this recipe to Mrs Balbir Singh, which was published in 1961 in the Indian Cookery.
Ingredients in Chicken Masala Tikka
The main ingredients used in this recipe are boneless chicken, yoghurt, cream, tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and chilli pepper. The chicken pieces are marinated in hung curd and spice, ideally overnight. Then, they are loaded on skewers and cooked fully in a tandoor oven. Next, the cooked chicken pieces are tossed in onion-tomato gravy and served with naan or steamed rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called chicken tikka masala?
It is called chicken tikka masala because of the use of boneless chicken as boneless chicken is called tikka.
Is chicken tikka masala healthy ?
Chicken Tikka Masala is rich in protein. However, it has high carbohydrates and fats too.
What type of dish is chicken tikka masala?
Check Tikka Masala is an Indian curry dish, often eaten as part of the main course alongside bread or rice.
