Indulge in a culinary celebration of flavors with our Democratic Chicken Tikka Masala! Infused with the vibrant essence of democracy, this dish brings together tender chicken marinated in a symphony of spices, simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, and served alongside fragrant basmati rice. Every bite is a testament to inclusivity, with a harmonious blend of traditional Indian spices and the spirit of democracy. Whether you're gathering with friends, family, or fellow citizens, let the flavors of liberty unite you around the table with this deliciously democratic dish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or bake until cooked through and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes.

3- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tikka masala sauce. Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

4- Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

5- Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Cook the spices for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

6- Pour in the tomato puree and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

7- Once the sauce has thickened, add the grilled chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.

8- Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.

9- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves before serving.

10- Serve the Democratic Chicken Tikka Masala hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the flavors of democracy in every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Democratic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, based on common nutritional databases:

Chicken Breast (500g):

• Calories: 825 kcal
• Protein: 165 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Excellent source of lean protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Good source of calcium and probiotics which promote gut health and digestion.

Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Rich in vitamin C, it boosts immunity and aids in digestion.

Spices and Herbs (2 teaspoons each) (ginger paste, garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric powder):

• Negligible caloric value (mainly contributes to flavor)

benefits:Each spice offers various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties (ginger, garlic), aiding digestion (cumin, coriander), and antioxidant effects (turmeric, paprika).

Oil or Ghee (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Provides healthy fats that support brain function and hormone production.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and prebiotic fibers that support heart health and may help reduce inflammation.

Tomato Puree (1 cup):

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:High in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, which support overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Heavy Cream (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 44 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Rich in calories and fat, it provides energy and adds creaminess to the dish.

Coconut Cream (1/2 cup) (for dairy-free option):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Provides healthy fats and adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish (for dairy-free option).

Basmati Rice (for serving):

• Calories: 205 kcal (per 1 cup, cooked)
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits:Good source of carbohydrates for energy, and contains some protein and fiber, aiding in digestion and providing a feeling of fullness.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.