Chicken Tikka Masala

This sounds daunting but it is simply chicken that is marinated in yogurt and has a tomato cream sauce.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
• 3 tsp. salt, or to taste
• 3 boneless chicken breasts, skinless and cut in bite size pieces
• long wooden skewers (soaked in water)

Tomato Cream Sauce

• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 can pure tomato sauce (8 oz.)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• chopped cilantro for garnish

In a large bowl combine the yogurt, lemon juice, and all spices. Stir in the chicken and set in refrigerator, covered, for 1 hour.

Preheat grill to a high heat and lightly oil the grill grate.

Thread the chicken on the skewers and discard the marinade. Grill only until the juices run clear. This should take about 5 minutes each side.

Now to the sauce.

Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over a medium heat. Saute the garlic for about a minute and add the seasonings. Stir in the tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on a low heat until it thickens (20 minutes approximately).

Add the grilled chicken pieces and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the cilantro (if using). Add a crisp green salad, dinner rolls and, of course, a glass of chilled wine wine.

Oh my! YUM!