Lamb Tikka Masala
Lamb Tikka Masala is an irresistibly delicious Indian dish. Originating in Punjab, this delicacy has quickly become a favorite in Indian cuisine. Lamb Tikka Masala can be prepared by marinating lamb in a mixture of yogurt and spices before baking or grilling it until fully cooked and slightly charred.Meanwhile, sauteing onions before adding tomato puree, spices and cream or coconut milk for an aromatic cream sauce. Combine cooked lamb with sauce, simmer for several minutes and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an impressive dish that pairs perfectly with either naan bread or rice and can be customized to suit individual spice preferences. Marinating lamb increases its tenderness and sweetness can be adjusted according to individual tastes, making Lamb Tikka Masala easy and tasty enough for weekday dinners or leftovers! Discover its delightful flavors while broadening your culinary horizons!
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl A large bowl to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the lamb pieces.
- 1 Skewers If you prefer the traditional method, you will need skewers for grilling the marinated lamb. Alternatively, you can use a grill or oven to cook the lamb pieces.
- 1 Blender If you prefer a smoother sauce, a blender or food processor can be used to blend the tomato-based sauce ingredients.
- 1 Large Saucepan To cook the onion, garlic, and ginger, and simmer the sauce.
- 1 Cooking Spoon For stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
- 1 Measuring cups To accurately measure the quantities of spices and other ingredients.
- 1 Bowls To serve the cooked Lamb Tikka Masala.
Ingredients
- Lamb Cubed pieces of lamb meat (boneless) are commonly used in this dish.
- Yogurt Plain yogurt is used as a marinade for the lamb, which helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- Ginger and Garlic Fresh ginger and garlic are crushed or minced to enhance the taste of the marinade.
- Spices A blend of spices is used to create the rich flavor profile of tikka masala. Common spices include ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, and chili powder.
- Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the marinade for a tangy kick.
- Tomato Sauce Tomato sauce or puree forms the base of the curry sauce, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Onion Finely chopped onions are cooked until soft and golden, adding a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Butter or Ghee These fats are used for cooking the onions and to enhance the richness of the curry.
- Heavy Cream Cream is added to the sauce to create a creamy and luscious texture.
- Fresh Coriander Chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are used as a garnish to add freshness and color to the dish.
- Salt To season the dish according to taste.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whisked yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Marination: To achieve tender and flavorful lamb dishes, marinate it for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight), to allow the spices to permeate through and enhance its taste.
Yogurt consistency: To ensure an even coat, choose thick yogurt as a marinade base. For thin yogurt varieties, strain through cheesecloth or muslin cloth in order to remove extra moisture.
Adjusting spice levels: Red chili powder and other spices can be tailored to meet the heat preferences of individuals, so for milder dishes reduce or omit chili powder altogether, while for bolder tastes add more.
Cooking Lamb: While this recipe calls for baking the marinated lamb pieces in an oven, you could also grill or broil them to achieve a slightly charred and smokey flavor.
Sauce consistency: Your tomato-based sauce should have a smooth and creamy texture. If it seems too thick, add water or broth until desired thickness is reached; or simmer longer in order to thicken and reduce.
Cream or Coconut Milk: When looking for ways to add richness and creaminess to a sauce, heavy cream or coconut milk are both effective solutions. Your selection should depend upon personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Adjusting sweetness: If you like things sweeter, feel free to add a pinch of sugar or drizzle of honey in order to offset the tart taste of tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions: Lamb Tikka Masala recipe pairs well with naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice. You could also serve it alongside cucumber raita or fresh salad to round off its flavors and give your guests an unforgettable dining experience.
Reheating and Storing: Lamb Tikka Masala can be refrigerated for several days in an airtight container before adding some liquid, such as water or cream to keep its consistency and prevent it from drying out during reheating.