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Malai Tikka

Malai Tikka is a modern British Indian Restaurant (BIR) recipe for a classic starter of a pale tikka dish of chicken in a lightly-spiced cream cheese and cream base. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Malai Tikka.

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

15 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Additional Time:

(+12 hours marinading)

Serves:

4

Rating:

Tags : CurryBIR CurriesChicken RecipesMilk RecipesCheese RecipesBritish Recipes

Malai Tikka is Chicken Tikka's less well known and much milder sibling. This paler tikka, marinated in cottage cheese, cream and handful of spices, is perfect for milder tastes while still providing that trademark tandoori taste. It makes a great starter to get the evening underway particularly if you've ordered a hot, spicy main curry.

Ingredients:

400g (14 oz) chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp lemon juice

For the Marinade:
100g (3 1/2 oz) cream cheese
200g (7 oz) single cream
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 tbsp coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Method:

Squeeze the lemon over the chicken, rub it in well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This will degrease the chicken and help it absorb the marinade. Mix together the marinade ingredients in a bowl.

Shake off the excess lemon and coat the chicken pieces in the marinade. Set aside for at least 15 minutes (but preferably 12 hours).

In the meantime, pre-heat your oven to 170ºC. Arrange the chicken on a baking tray, ensuring all the pieces are kept well apart and cook for 15 minutes, turning once. Check one of the largest pieces to ensure it’s cooked through. If not, return to the oven.

Serve accompanied by pickles, chutneys and salads.