A Tomato Masala Food

A TOMATO MASALA

Steps:

• In a food processor, puree the tomatoes.
• In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafetida and let the seeds crackle. Stir in the pureed tomatoes, turmeric, deggi mirch, coriander, cumin, ginger, and green chili. Simmer vigorously for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce the mixture to the consistency of thick marinara sauce.
• Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste, salt, and sugar. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to make the masala a little thicker. If not using right away, cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

Steps:

• For the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator up to overnight.
• For the sauce: When you're ready to make the curry, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the Ginger-Garlic Paste and serrano peppers. Saute until lightly browned around the edges. Add the tomato paste and cook until the tomato has darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add the garam masala and the paprika and saute for about 1 minute to draw out their flavors.
• Add the tomatoes, salt, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes. You may need more water depending on how much liquid the tomatoes give off.
• Meanwhile, fire up your grill. When it is nice and hot, lightly brush it with oil. Place the chicken on the grill, shaking off some of the excess marinade. Cook until it's charred, about 2 minutes on each side. (Don't worry that the chicken will still be a little uncooked, it finishes cooking in the sauce).
• Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and process until smooth. Pour back into the skillet and bring back up to a boil. Add the chicken and fenugreek leaves, if using. Take the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the cream and stir through. Garnish with minced fresh cilantro, and serve over rice, with naan, or a crusty piece of bread!
• Throw the garlic, ginger, and canola oil in a mini-food processor and let it go until it forms a semi-smooth paste. There will still be tiny little pieces in there, but overall, it should resemble a paste.
• Save what you don't use in a small glass jar. It should last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. It's a delicious addition to marinades, pasta sauces, stir fry sauces, slow-cooker recipes, gravy etc. We always had a jar of this stuff in our fridge growing up.

TOMATO & CHICKPEA CURRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan and add 2 finely sliced onions. Cook until softened, about 10 mins.
• Add 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp ground coriander, then stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 mins, then pour in a 400g can of plum tomatoes, break up with a wooden spoon and simmer for 10 mins.
• Pour in a 400ml can of coconut milk and season. Bring to the boil and simmer for a further 10-15 mins until the sauce has thickened.
• Tip in a drained and rinsed 400g can of chickpeas and 2 quartered large tomatoes, and warm through. Scatter over roughly chopped coriander from ½ small pack and serve with fluffy rice.