Masala



Masala or sometimes spelt Massala can be a variety of curries depending where you have it. Typically it can be an Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi and is commonly a mixture of different spices depending which can vary from family to family and region to region.

Chicken Chilli Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Chilli Masala – The Ultimate Version of the UK’s Favourite Curry

When it comes to Indian cuisine, there is no shortage of delicious, flavour-packed dishes to choose from.  Among the many mouth-watering options available, Chicken Tikka Chilli Masala is a dish that is sure to please.

I first tried this at the Cinnamon Lounge in Rishworth a few years ago one Christmas. We were there with some some friends, and I saw it on the menu.  Initially I was tempted by the chillis, but was put off by the Tikka Masala element. Continue reading

Chicken Tikka Masala – Is it worthy?

Chicken Tikka Masala is the UK’s favourite curry, but is it worthy of such an accolade?

Each weekend, literally thousands of people up and down the country would say it is, which is why they cook it at home, or order it from their local restaurant or takeaway, but does this pretender deserve so much kudos?

Some would say that it isn’t a real curry especially when you bear in mind it’s somewhat disputed originsand admittedly, I have been somewhat snobbish about the humble Chicken Tikka Masala in the past, but it seems to me that there are more and more “versions” of this popular curry being introduced with slight twists or interesting differences.

Chicken Tikka Masala - It's the UK's favourite curry, but is it worth it?

Chicken Tikka Masala - Should this be our favourite?

That being the case, I think we are probably now at the time where we curry-snobs should start to take the humble CTM (as I’ve noticed some restaurants like to call it) a bit more seriously and of late I’ve been experimenting with various different flavours and styles of Chicken Tikka Masala in my hunt for the best Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, in much the same way as I did with the Currytastic  Chicken Madras recipe.

So, over the coming weeks I will be trying different Chicken Tikka Masala recipes, as well as some different restaurant and take away versions and will report back with my findings – I hope you all appreciate the lengths I go to for you, my readers and the love of my art 🙂

In the mean time, if you have any Chicken Tikka Masala recipes you’d like to tell us about or even if you’d like to try your hand at writing a mini-review for a local restaurant or take away, then get in touch using the comments link at the bottom of this post.

Chicken Tikka Chilli Masala Gets Top marks for take away at Ripponden’s Cinnamon Lounge

Chicken Tikka Masala is apparently the UK’s favourite curry.  That’s as maybe, but it’s not one of mine.  I prefer the Chicken Tikka Chilli Masala as served by the excellent Cinnamon Lounge in Ripponden.  Notice the difference?  You will when you eat it!

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala – It’s a bit red isn’t it

Apparently the Chiken Tikka Massala was invented in Glasgow by an industrious chef who, when asked for some sauce by a customer who’d ordered Chicken Tikka without knowing what it was, mixed some spices together with a can of Heinz Tomato Soup.

So what is Chicken Tikka Masala (or “CTM” as it is sometimes known)? Continue reading