Chicken Tikka Masala

Has a meal ever changed your life? Like, changed the things you thought about food before that?

I am NOT a picky eater. At all. But let me tell you honestly, because we're friends and I know you'll keep my secret. Before this meal I was not that in to Indian food. I didn't grow up eating it (ever) and was just never really wanting to go try it. 

We randomly went to Saffron a few months ago and my world was rocked. I mean, now I can't get enough of this stuff. I must have made this knock-off chicken Tikka five times since then. Seriously. 

Easy meal? Yep. 

Quick? Yep. 

Flavorful? Yep. 

Healthy? Yep. 

I mean really, what's not to love?

Chicken Tikka Masala

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves minced garlic

1 chopped onion

2-3 tbsp. finely chopped ginger

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 29 oz can tomato purée or sauce

1 tbsp. olive oil

2-3 tsp. cayenne pepper (this is the HEAT) (whichever really isn't that strong)

2 tbsp. Garam Masala

1tbsp. Cumin

1 tbsp. paprika

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. black pepper

2-3 bay leaves

1 cup half and half (or milk, or cream)

3 tbsp. cornstarch

Cilantro for prettiness

How wide range of ingredients. The good news - most of these are really common. Those that aren't are spices and will last you approximately 43 years. 

The cast. 

First add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. 

Tomatoes and Yogurt. Those don't often come to my mind together. 

Add the five bazillion spices. 

Mix it all up. 

Add the cut up chicken. 

Good things take time. I'm not patient,  but this is perfect when I go to work. 

Mix the starch and milk together. Awesome thickening sauce. 

Thicken it up. Add it in and let it sit another 10-15 min. Take out the bay leaves. 

Dish up on top of rice or quinoa. Add cilantro for color. And because it tastes great! 

Method one - Mix and dump all ingredients (except cornstarch and half and half) in the crockpot and cook for 8 hrs on low.

Method two - Mix and dump all ingredients (except cornstarch and half and half) i in a 9 by 13 pan and cook at 375 for 30-45 min. 

Saffron Indian Restaurant in Tucson

I have a new-found love for tikka masala. I could eat it all day. In fact, I'm planning on learning how to make it later this week. This new love was sparked by a great experience at Saffron.

Going out to eat has been a new challenge since gaining these lovely food restrictions. Like, I get stressed out before going out to eat and have to look at their menu before hand. Most Indian food is naturally gluten free (which means wheat free!). Yay! Rice, sauce, and meat for the win.

Drew and I hadn't been here before and decided to give it a try on Friday. On our way there, I realized that I forgot my epi-pen in my other purse. Still getting used to carrying it all the time! Oh well, I'd be sure I was careful.

The restaurant was beautiful. The decor was modern and clean and there was a quiet buzz throughout the restaurant.

First, they bring you these amazing cracker/wafters that are made from chickpea flower! AKA - wheat free! Wahoo! After careful inspection of the menu, we ordered. The waitress was great and was willing to answer all of my questions about which items were gluten free and if there were potatoes in the entrees. Drew wanted an appetizer and the waitress told us the best gluten free appetizer was the veggie fritters, also made with chickpea flower. Score.

Shortly after, the waitress brings our food and we enjoy our first bites. I instantly realize that there are potatoes in these. We talked to the first employee we could find (who happened to be the owner) and he confirmed what I thought - they were made with potatoes. I explained that I was allergic and realized that, while I asked if there were potatoes in the veggies, I never explained that I was allergic. The owner instantly pulled out an iPad with their menu on it and looked up an appetizer that I could eat. Drew talked with him as I tried not to cry and have a panic attack. What happened? I had been so careful when ordering, but just forgot last minute! I took the three Benadryl I had in my purse right away and tried my best to convince myself that I was going to be fine. I had one small bite.

They brought me new place setting right away and the waitress came over and apologized. Even though I explained it was my fault, I didn't think to ask, the owner came and made sure that our new appetizer was great, etc. and they took the delicious veggie fritters off of our bill. And the new appetizer was great - imagine a bloomin' onion takes a trip to India. Greatness.

Chicken Tikka Masala - Photo courtesy of the Tucson Citizen

The tikka masala I got was fantastic. Drew's curry was really flavorful. And the rice. Oh my. I didn't think I even liked rice until this.

Basically, if you are in Tucson and want Indian food, keep Saffron in mind. Their food was delicious and reasonably priced and their customer service was top-notch.