Chicken Tikka Masala

I'm not sure if it's worth the work.  One of the problems was the store didn't have garam masala, so I had to make it on my own and do the calculations. Never make without garam masala.

The other problem was which pan I should use.  I used the stainless steel pan, but because I didn't "sear" anything, I don't think I have to use it next time.  It did create a mess on the bottom that may have added flavor to the sauce, but not worth the hassle.  Will try the nonstick pan next time (need the big one).

3nd time cooking - used nonstick pan and worked out.

Recipe modified from allrecpies.com as it is Chef John's recipe. Took some suggestions from the comment section

Ingredients:

-1.5 lbs of chicken, cubed

-avocado oil (for marinating chicken)

-ghee (for cooking chicken)

-1 yellow onion

-3 bell peppers (for 6 servings, fewer for 4 servings)

-2 Tbsp tomato paste (orig 1/4 cup)

-4 cloves of garlic (used like 8)

-1 Tbsp grated ginger (I hate grating, just cuisinart next time, it's fine)

-1 cup crushed tomatoes (just used whole can)

-1 can of coconut milk (used the low fat one)

-1/2 cup chicken broth

-chopped cilantro

-red pepper flakes

SPICES (if you have garam masala):

-1 tsp kosher salt

-2 tsp garam masala

-2 tsp ground cumin

-1 tsp ground coriander

-1 tsp smoked paprika

-1 tsp turmeric

-1/2 tsp black pepper

-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

-1/8 tsp ground cardamom

-extra dash of cinnamon

-extra dash of ground cloves

SPICES (if you do NOT have garam masala)

-1 tsp kosher salt

-2.5 tsp ground cumin

-1 1/3 tsp ground coriander

-1/2 tsp ground cardamom

-1 tsp ground black pepper

-1/4 tsp + dash more of cinnamon

-1/4 tsp cloves

-1/8 tsp nutmeg

-1 tsp smoked paprika

-1 tsp turmeric

-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with avocado oil and spices 

2. Heat ghee in pan in med-high heat

3. Cook chicken in pan and then set aside

4. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger in pan (5 min)

5. Add tomato paste, and stir until caramelized (5 min)

6. Pour crushed tomatoes into pan and boil

7. Pour coconut milk + chicken broth + red pepper flakes in pan

8. Add veggies

9. Simmer for 15 min

10. Add in chicken plus chicken juices

11. Garnish with cilantro

2nd time I made and Eric said it was his favorite Indian dish I ever made hmm