I have semi-invented an easy tikka masala recipe, which is what happens when I have a recipe I’ve made before but discover I’m missing many of the actually-called-for ingredients. This one ends up having what I trust most people have in their pantries, which is why it’s ideal. :)
Easy Tikka Masala
1-2 oz butter or vegetable oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1/2-1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 can chickpeas
1 fresh tomato, rough chopped
8 oz cream
Melt the butter in a largish sautee pan (ideally one with a lid). Stir-fry dry ingredients over a medium heat for ~30. Pour the tomatoes in before the spices burn & bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream & bring to a simmer. Add chickpeas and meat, if you’re putting meat in. Simmer until the sticky rice has finished cooking. Throw in the fresh tomato at the last possible moment & serve over sticky rice.
I roasted up a leg of lamb and used about half of it in this, with a nice long simmer so it was super tender. It also works well with chicken, and presumably with beef, pork or shrimp, if them’s your wish.
This can be made entirely satisfactorily without chickpeas, fresh tomato, or even paprika, but the tomatoes and chickpeas give it a nice heft and freshness.