Discover the Main Differences between Kebab and Tikka

Posted on July 24, 2019August 2, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Whenever we visit a lavish casual restaurant for a fine dining experience we look at the menu and find out whether it includes kebab or tikka. Similarly, a party of social gathering seems incomplete without the kebabs or tikkas being served on the platter.

Such is the popularity of the delicacies that they are even served at every Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs and other places. Very often food connoisseurs consider kebabs and tikkas to be the same items. There is a world of differences between Kebab and Tikka. Let’s find out more about it in details.

History and Origin

Kebab

The history of kebab dates back to 1200 AD when it was first introduced at the Turkish kitchen. It was brought to India by the Afghans and Mughals. At that time, the Mughal soldiers of the royal army chopped pieces of boneless meat and threaded them over their swords. They later grilled and cooked them on an open fire to make them succulent.

Tikka

The birth of the recipe was in Britain. While some reports suggest, the recipe was first originated in a Pakistani restaurant at Glasgow named Shish Mahal. Tikka became popular in India during the era of royal Nawabs who came after the Mughals.

Terminology

The word “kebab” means grilled meat that is derived from Persia and Turkey

The word “tikka” means small bits or pieces

Ingredients Used

Kebab’s Ingredients

Lamb and chicken are the traditional ingredients used for making kebabs. But with changing times and tastes, the recipe can be customized and made with beef, goat, fish, and pork. Other ingredients include salt, pepper, and olive oil. The spices and condiments used for making kebabs tend to vary depending on the type being made.

Tikka’s Ingredients

Chicken, fish and paneer are mainly used as ingredients for making tikka. Other ingredients include spices, yogurt, and lemon juice.

Cooking Method/Procedure

Kebab

At first, minced meat are marinated with different spices. Then they are grilled on a skewer over a fire. Many kebabs can also be prepared by grilling or baking the meat pieces in a pan over an oven. You can use beef, goat, chicken, fish, mutton, lamb and pork for the recipe.

A Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant serves a customized version of the recipe that is known for its unique flavor and taste.

Tikka

At first, boneless chunks of meat are marinated with yogurt and various spices. Then the meat pieces (you can use chicken or lamb) are baked in a clay oven called tandoor and stir fried.

Sometimes, the recipe is also prepared by barbequing the meat pieces on a hot coal to bring out a unique taste and flavor. Savor the authentic Middle Eastern delicacy at a grand Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Types

Kebabs

Kebabs are of different types. It includes

Galawati Kebab
Shami Kebab
Kakori Kebab
Sheekh Kebab
Doner Kebab
Chelo Kebab
Shashlik Kebab
Hariyali Kebab
Kalmi Kebab
Burrah Kebab
Reshmi Kebab

Tikkas

Tikka is classified into four types. It includes

Chicken Tikka
Paneer Tikka
Malai Tikka
Lamb Tikka

The difference between kebab and tikka is striking but both have one thing in common. They both are delicious and can add zing to any event or dining experience.

7 Indian Spices that are Indispensable for Indian Cooking

Posted on July 23, 2019August 2, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Indian foods are famous for their unique taste and distinctive flavor. They can be best described as hot and spicy. The cooking is a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and condiments. Speaking of spices, it is the story of every Indian household to have different jars for keeping them. So much so, that India is known as the land of spices.

Without these secret ingredients, it is impossible to imagine cooking the curries and stews. While some can be used in the form of powder, other spices can be used in the form of the paste only after blending it in a powerful mixer grinder. Let’s take a look at 7 spices that are an integral part of the best Indian food.

Cardamom

Cardamom is an expensive spice that is used for cooking an exotic range of Indian dishes. Green and black cardamoms are indispensable for cooking biryani, basmati rice, various curries, and desserts.

The flavor of green cardamom is sweet and light while the taste of black cardamom is powerful and smoky. Besides Indian cooking, cardamom is extremely popular in Middle Eastern cuisines.

Cinnamon

For adding a distinct flavor and tantalizing aroma to many Indian meat and rice dishes, cinnamon has no substitute. It is mainly used in preparing chicken curries, cakes, sweet dishes, and apple pies. However, it is always removed before serving.

Turmeric

The yellow-colored spice is commonly used for enhancing the flavor of the Indian dishes. It is also used for marinating meat. It contains a medicinal compound called curcumin.

Since ancient times and centuries, it is being used in Indian cooking and considered the basic ingredient for cooking Indian food. A top Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs includes turmeric in their dishes for enhancing the taste and flavor.

Nutmeg

An extraordinarily potent and unique spice from secrets of the Indian kitchen, nutmeg is loaded with essential nutrients and wellness properties. Right from savories to sweet dishes, nutmeg is an integral part of Indian cuisine.

If we trace back the history and evolution of nutmeg, then it shows that it was mainly used in Mughlai cuisines and Biryani preparations.

Cloves

If you want to get that rich and spicy flavor in any preparation, then adding cloves is mandatory. In North Indian cuisine, cloves are extremely popular and used in every side dish for enhancing the flavor.

Cumin

Cumin is the most ubiquitous of spices in the Indian spice category. It has an intense, warm and rich flavor and goes well with coriander. The spice tastes best when it is freshly minced in a mixer.

However, many people also prefer to use it in the form of a powder. In a top-notch Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant cumin is used in almost all the curries and stews.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a popular Indian spice and is known for its nice aroma and distinct pungent flavor. It is used in both whole and powder forms for lending flavor to a dish. Besides, it contains piperine that works wonders for the body by providing vital vitamins, selenium, and beta-carotene.

Here was our list for the best 7 spices used in Indian cooking. Pick your favorite one and let us know whether you want to add more in the comments section.

Top 7 Indian Foods That You Mustn’t Forget To Try!

Posted on July 22, 2019August 16, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Indian cuisine is a must-try for every foodie. Needless to mention, Indian food is vastly diverse and delicious coming from diverse regions with varying tastes!

In this blog, we’ve listed the top 7 recipes (non-veg, veg, and dessert) from India that you must try at an Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Non-Veg

1. Butter Chicken

Traditionally cooked in tandoor, butter chicken is a must try for every non-veg lover! These are tender boneless chicken pieces cooked in butter, tomato, onion & garam masala. Visit a Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant today to taste authentic Butter Chicken.

2. Tandoori Chicken

Well, this is yet another item of chicken that you must try as a non-veg lover. It’s a North Indian dish consisting of roasted chicken prepared with yogurt and spices. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and blended with the spice mixture and tandoori masala. Cayenne pepper, red chili powder or Kashmiri red chili powder is added later on to give it a fiery red color.

3. Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh – a popular cuisine from the north Indian state of Kashmir, is known for its outstanding taste and fragrance. It consists of braised lamb chunks cooked in a gravy based on browned onions or shallots. Spices such as cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon are added to make it aromatic. Try it from the best restaurant in Colorado Springs to experience the real savor of Rogan Josh.

Veg

4. Samosas

Samosas are fried patties with a savory filling of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils. Sometimes, ground chicken, lamb, or beef are also added in the filling. Usually served with mint sauce or chutney, samosas are one of the best Indian foods that you must try!

5. Malai Kofta

If you’re eager to taste authentic veg cuisine from India, then you must try Malai Kofta. It is cottage cheese and vegetable rounds dipped in sour cream and vegetable sauce. The perfect mixture of the cream and sauce will melt your mouth almost instantaneously. Undoubtedly, it’s a heavenly dish that tastes awesome when consumed along with rice.

6. Palak (Spinach) Paneer

This is probably the most popular paneer (cottage cheese) recipe in India. It is easy to digest since it has nothing more than spinach and cottage cheese along with mild Indian spices. The large portions of spinach and fenugreek leave present in this dish makes it green in color. Speaking of the taste, it tastes awesome when consumed with tandoori bread.

Dessert

7. Kheer

This sweet and creamy rice pudding is one of the most popular Indian desserts. Made up of rice, milk, and sugar and flavored with cardamom, raisins, cashew nut, pistachio, and almond – you mustn’t forget to include this in your list.

Taste Authentic Indian Cuisines at Urban Tandoor

So, these were the top 7 recipes from India that we think you must try! Let us know in the comment section what you would like to taste next. Visit Urban Tandoor – the most trusted Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs, if you want to taste authentic Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Call 7203231492 to book your spot!

Tracing Back the Origin of Chicken Tikka Masala

Posted on July 18, 2019August 3, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Every dish has a history be it Indian or Continental. The rich and succulent Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish both in India and overseas. It is served in North America and is so popular that it finds a place on the menu of every modern Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Despite being declared a national dish of Britain till 2012, the mystery surrounding its origin is yet to be solved. And speculation still continues.

Evolution of Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a healthy and popular dish because of the lean meat amount and cooking technique. However, theories regarding the origin of the dish are contradictory and there is no strong evidence to support from which country it is sourced from.

However, it is considered the National dish of Britain. According to Robin Cook, the Foreign Secretary of England hailed it as a “true British national dish” and pompously declared that the dish is an illustration of the way Britain engrosses and adapts external influences.

However, according to some other theories the lip-smacking dish was first served and discovered at a Pakistani restaurant situated in Glasgow named Shish Mahal.

It happened when a hungry driver came and ordered it but found it too dry. He suggested the chef should change it to a gravy-based dish. Acting on the suggestion, the chef whose name was Ali Ahmed Aslam improvised the dish.

To make it more delectable, he combined chunks of chicken in tomato soup. This saw the birth of dish. Slowly it became popular worldwide and started being consumed in Britain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India having an affinity for dishes with gravies and sauces.

Other theories suggest the dish has a Punjabi or Bangladeshi origin. These theories state that it was invented in the year 1971 by adding more tomato sauce, aromatic spices, cream, tomato, ginger, garlic, onion, chili pepper, and yogurt.

According to this school, the versions of the dish that are served today at restaurants are a mere adaptation of its original version served in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Change in Cooking Procedure of Chicken Tikka Masala

Approximately 5000 years ago, chicken tikka masala was prepared by baking chicken of large pieces. Then at the insistence of Mughal emperor Babar, the chicken pieces were made smaller and bones were taken out.

The modern version of the dish involves cooking boneless chicken chunks in an outdoor clay oven after marinating them with aromatic spices and yogurt. Thus, it is both an old and new kind of dish. A top-rated Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant is sure to serve only tender and juicy chicken pieces making the dish delectable.

Many chefs preparing the Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs present a customized version of the dish. They concoct a recipe to cater to food connoisseurs who want to combine this apparent Western dish with something more traditional.

How does it taste?

It is difficult to describe the taste of the dish to someone who has never tasted it. But it is warm and spicy. Since it is cooked in tomato and yogurt-based sauce with a slew of aromatic spices, it has got a spicy flavor with an appetizing smell. You can pamper taste buds with this amazing dish at the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Chicken Tikka Masala has evolved a lot since its invention. Hopefully, the blog will help you to explore it soon!!!

6 Mild Indian Dishes that You Will Love Eating Anytime

Posted on June 20, 2019August 16, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Indian food is known for its rich taste, flavor, and aroma. Spices and oils are the secrets to preparing delicious Indian culinary delicacies. Hence, Indian food has garnered the global reputation of being oily and spicy. But there are many dishes that are mild and do not require the use of too many spices, oil, and condiments. These mild Indian dishes are good for health. Take a look at the compilation of the best mild Indian dishes.

Korma

Korma is a delectable preparation that is mild and does not need too many spices. Originating in South Asia, the word “Korma is derived from the Turkish word “Kavurma” which means cooked meat. It is rich, creamy, and delicious dish that is cooked in generous quantities of coconut milk. You can prepare this dish with both lamb and chicken and serve it with naan or chapati. If you relish this delicacy in the best restaurant in Colorado Springs, you can get a more customized and healthy version of the dish.

Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a popular Indian dish that hails from North India. It has a rich creamy texture due to the ingredients present in it such as cashews and fresh cream. You just can’t get enough of Malai Kofta with roasted butter naan. Once you eat it, you will surely crave for more.

Butter Chicken

A favorite of all generations and considered a timeless classic, butter chicken is one of the mildest Indian dishes. In this recipe, at first the chicken is marinated in a creamy mixture for hours and then cooked in a tandoor. The ingredients used in the recipe such as butter, yogurt, and cream give it a rich consistency and creamy texture. Best served with roti or Kulcha, you can simply savor this mild dish in evening get-together or family dinners.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a delectable creamy curry dish made of chunks of roasted marinated chicken, yogurt, tomatoes, paprika, and coconut cream. Food lovers love to serve it with rice to feel its awesome flavor and rich texture. You can enjoy it in a platter at a top-rated Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant.

Daal Makhani

Daal Makhani is a North Indian dish that is appreciated and savored all over the world. It is a simple lentil curry mixed with rajma or red kidney beans cooked in a rich cream with butter at the top. The texture is rich and creamy due to the slow cooking it undergoes. The Punjabi dish tastes best with rice or roti.

Kashmiri Pulao

The tantalizing yet unconventional dish of Kashmiri Pulao is popular for ages. It tastes sweet and the condiments added to it lend it a mild flavor and nice aroma. You will require basmati rice, saffron, fruits, and dry fruits to prepare this mild and classic main course dish.

Life becomes a fiesta when there is good food on the plate. Enjoy the best mild Indian dishes and savor their rich taste and flavor.

Top 15 Indian Appetizers for Parties That You Must not Miss at Any Cost

Posted on June 17, 2019August 4, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Are you simply in awe of Indian appetizers?

Then, this blog is a must read for you!

Here, we have listed the top 15 Indian appetizers for parties that you mustn’t refrain yourself from eating.

Vegetarian Appetizers

- - - Tikki Trio – This is one of the best vegetarian starters that you will ever find in any Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs. These cutlets of beets, potatoes, and spinach stuffed with cheese will mesmerize you the moment it will touch your taste buds.

Samosa – Samosas are patties stuffed with potatoes, peas, and spices. The savory filling of samosas is cherished by food lovers across all age groups. Stuffed with chickpea chat, Samosas never fail to excite the taste buds.

Chili Paneer Dry – Chili Paneer is one of the best Indian foods that you could ever taste! This spice, tangy preparation of cottage cheese is loved by adults and children alike. Make sure not to miss this wonderful item while in a Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant.

Hariyali Paneer Tikka – This is yet another preparation of cottage cheese and one of the best Indian appetizers for parties. The perfect blend of mint, coriander, and spices make this dish a must-try for every food lover.

- Vegetable Kabab –These Kababs are minced vegetables with ginger, garlic & green chilies. No party is ever complete without vegetable kababs on the platter. Be it grilled or roasted; they’ll surely enthrall you!

- Tandoori Phool – Well, if you want to taste an authentic vegetarian appetizer, you must try ‘Tandoori Phool’. The Florets of cauliflower & broccoli spiced with tandoori masala will surely make you eat more and more.

Dahi Puri Chaat – Dahi Puri Chat consist of crispy mini shells topped with yogurt. If you are in love with Indian, then you simply can’t afford to miss Dahi Puri Chaat. The spectrum of flavors and textures of this popular Indian dish make it one of the best Indian appetizers for parties. As the best Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs, we recommend it to try it at least once.

Non-Vegetarian Appetizers

Chicken Reshmi Kabab – Chicken Reshmi Kabab a must-try if you are a hardcore non-veg lover. The boneless pieces of chicken marinated in fresh cream and yogurt with fragrant spices will instantly make you fall in love with this amazing dish.

- Tandoori Chicken – A whole marinated chicken cooked in tandoor is so tempting that it will definitely excite your taste buds. This Mughlai chicken recipe is an amazing appetizer and is sure to leave you wanting for more and more.

- Chicken Tikka – The name itself is enough to excite your taste buds. The chunks of chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and baked in a tandoor oven will surely make you fall in love with this appetizer over and over again.

- Chili Chicken – Well, one of the most common items in Indian Restaurant Colorado Springs, you simply cannot afford to miss it! Small to medium sized pieces of chicken are sautéed in chili sauce with peppers, onion & ginger. We bet, you will cherish the taste forever!

- Lasuni Seekh Kebab – Kabab lover? Well, then you must try Lasuni Seekh Kebab. They are minced lamb, flavored with garlic and rolled on skewers. The perfect blend of spices and tenderness of lamb is a great choice for all food lovers.

- Adraki Lamb Chop – This is yet another mouth-watering preparation of lamb. The shreds of lamb are marinated with ginger, cardamom, coriander & yogurt, and served hot. Make sure not to miss this savoring dish, if eating lambs excites your taste buds.

- Masala Calamari – If you are in awe of seafood, then you must not forget to include Masala Calamari in your bucket list. The marinated squid deep fried and tossed in spicy masala are bound to give you with immense joy and pleasure.

- Tandoori Salmon – Salmon fish spiced with special urban tandoori masala is another seafood, that will excite your taste buds. Try it from the best Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs, and we bet you will cherish it for the rest of your lifetime.

Well, here was our list of top 15 Indian Appetizers for parties. Let us know in the comment section if you want to add more. Also, let us know your favorite pick.

8 Delectable Lowest Calorie Indian Food

Posted on June 13, 2019August 4, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

When we think about Indian food, something very oily, spicy and creamy comes to our mind. Indian cuisine uses ghee, oil, butter, spices, cream, and cheese in large quantities which contributes to obesity and a host of health problems in many people.

People all over the world generally associate Indian food with high calories, but often they forget there are many dishes which contain fewer amounts of calories to equal weight loss.

Achieving fitness is all about combining exercise and nutrition into the lifestyle. Here are some Indian foods that are both delectable as well as healthy.

Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a popular spicy dish that everybody loves to prepare in their kitchen. The delicacy is even served at an Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs. To prepare it at home, you need chopped boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces, garlic, onions, cloves, butter, grind coriander, dried mint. If you are a fitness freak, then you can prepare a healthy version of the dish by using fewer amounts of spices and oil and gorge on it.

Palak Paneer

If you want to enjoy the goodness of iron-rich spinach and dairy product such as paneer in a single dish, then Palak paneer is a good option. Spinach is used in the form of paste for this recipe. For weight watchers, it is healthy and mouthwatering that can be eaten as a side dish with white rice.

Shrimp in Coconut Milk

It is a traditional and heartwarming recipe. The main ingredients of the recipe include shrimp, coconut milk, lime juice, onion, garlic clove, green chili, coriander, and salt. It tastes sweet and savory and you can get a healthy customized version of the recipe with less oil and spices at the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Sprout Salad

Containing only 95 calories, sprout salad is nourishing and delicious. You should not skip it if you are looking for a low-calorie Indian recipe. Rich in proteins, fiber, and antioxidants filling your plate with sprout salad is easy. You need tomatoes, fenugreek leaves, radish, nuts, beans, grains, and coriander that are easily available at grocery stores. Other ingredients required are onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cilantro leaves, aromatic spices, cucumber, and lemon juice. You can try this dish at home or eat it in a posh Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Fish Tikka Masala

One of the healthiest ways to eat fish is preparing fish tikka masala. You can use a large and fresh fish like that of Salmon. Cooked in an oven, the recipe tastes smoky and has a distinctive grilled flavor. The best thing about the dish is that it requires less oil and ingredients.

Cucumber Raita

Cucumber is known for its hydrating and cooling properties and contains fewer amounts of calories. It is a rich source of fiber, water, and nutrients that triggers weight-loss naturally. For making cucumber raita at home, you need yogurt, mild spices, veggies, and fruits of your choice. It is mainly a side dish and people who give fitness their topmost priority, simply love it.

Oats Idli

Oats Idli is puffy and made from a fermented batter. It is low in calories and packed with proteins and fiber. If you try oats idli at a famous Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant, you can have an amazing dining experience. It will serve the dish by combining health and taste together.

Dhokla

Dholka is a global rage and the one that is made in a microwave is low in calories. It is the perfect weight-loss snack that you can easily prepare at home by using gram flour, semolina, curd, curry leaves, and green chili. The dish has become popular in Indian Cuisines Colorado Springs where both the Indian and American populace wants to get a taste of it.

Fitness begins with developing healthy eating habits and focusing on the diet. Try these superb low-calorie Indian foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and get back into your shape.

What Makes Tandoori Chicken So Healthy?

Posted on March 14, 2019August 4, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Tandoori Chicken is irresistible for its taste and smoky flavor. At some point in our lives, we are all guilty of ordering tandoori chicken with bread when we are craving for something tasty. But is it so unhealthy that we should feel guilty?

Let’s take a look at the answer:

Tandoori Chicken is a healthy dish thanks to its lean meat amount and the cooking technique. It was traditionally cooked in the clay tandoor. Now the question arises what’s tandoor?

Tandoor is a type of oven that can be built from clay or metal. Wood or charcoal fire generates the heat within the tandoor. Indians prefer clay tandoor to prepare several dishes. The temperature of tandoor can rise up to 9000 F.

You can also prepare Tandoori Chicken on grills too – those that are propane gas grill or charcoal grill. The grilling method makes tandoori chicken healthy as it doesn’t require much oil and retains the proteins.

The chicken breast is marinated with yogurt before grilling. Yogurt contains healthy nutrients, such as zinc, potassium and vitamin B12. It is also responsible for giving the dish its customary smoky flavor.

Benefits of Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a low fat and low-calorie dish. Chicken breast contains lean protein. It is highly recommended for anyone that is conscious about maintaining good health and body weight.

Promotes Brain Health

Tandoori Chicken minimizes the intake of fats and carbs. The herbs that are added to Tandoori Chicken as seasoning increases the nutrient value of the dish. It is believed that Tandoori Chicken is good for your brain health!

Chicken is known to increase the serotonin level that leads to reduced stress level and fewer mood swings. Tandoori Chicken reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Chicken contains vitamin B5, B3, B6 and other nutrients.

However, it’s better to exclude naan or bread with chicken. Steamed or grilled vegetables and whole grain flat breads or rotis add the best nutrients to your meal.

Promotes Metabolism

Chicken is rich in selenium that helps in burning calories faster. Selenium improves the metabolic rate of the body.

Food coloring should be excluded in Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori Chicken receives its color from its spices.
You can make Tandoori Chicken a part of your regular diet but of course in moderation. If you want to include chicken in your daily diet as a protein source then surely Tandoori Chicken is the best tasty choice.

Tandoori Chicken is obviously a great dish that is both healthy and tasty. Many popular celebs have included it in their healthy diet chart. Just grab a tandoor and prepare your favorite dish or order one right away.

What is Veg Jalfrezi?

Posted on November 22, 2018August 4, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

The name ‘veg jalfrezi’ is self-explanatory declaring it to be a vegetarian dish. But it also has its non-vegetarian variations that can be prepared with chicken, mutton or fish. Jalfrezi has won over the hearts of the Indians and the foodies all over the world since its creation.

Different People, Different Taste

Every Indian restaurant in London has its own variation and cooks it differently with different ingredients. Even, Jamie Oliver has included a veg jalfrezi recipe made of beans in his Jamie’s Food Revolution cookbook. Jamie Oliver and other British chefs too have included its veg and non-veg versions in their recipe books. Renowned British-Asian chef, Atul Kocchar has a duck version in his recipe book Atul’s Curries of the World. In his book, he has discussed the misconception some Brits have about Jalfrezi. Jalfrezi is commonly misunderstood as the level of heat in which the curry is cooked. Another famous chef, Madhur Jaffrey has a beef version of it in her cookbook At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Origin of Jalfrezi

Vegetable Jalfrezi

Jhalfrezi is a curry that originated in British India and was popularised throughout the country and in the other parts of the world by the famous Indian and British Chefs. The dish is prepared with the main ingredient like paneer, meat, fish or veggies and stir-fried over high heat with veggies and finally served in a spicy, thick sauce that contains chilies and onions. Other common ingredients are tomatoes and bell peppers.

Ingredients of Veg Jalfrezi

In India, Jalfrezi is prepared with a variety of spices and vegetables. The main ingredients of Veg Jalfrezi are paneer, green peas, tomato, carrot, cauliflower, garam masala, capsicum, chilly, vinegar, sugar, fresh cream, ghee or oil, garlic, tomato puree, cumin seeds, ginger, turmeric, and salt.

Some Facts about Jalfrezi

A 2011 survey reports ‘Jalfrezi’ as the most popular Indian dish in the UK and other South Asian restaurants.
Jalfrezi recipe appeared in British Indian cookbooks as an easy way of using up the leftovers by deep frying them with onion and chili.

The word originated from colloquial Bengali and Persian words. Jal is a Bengali word that means ‘spicy’ and porhezi is a Persian word that means ‘suitable for diet’.

Difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala

Posted on November 22, 2018August 16, 2024 by Chef Krishna Singh

Each Indian dish has its unique taste, smell, flavor, and color. It is a real tough game when we have to differentiate between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. These two dishes look the same with their orange tinge. It is hard to pinpoint any difference between these two dishes other than the cooking procedure.

Butter Chicken

Origin

Butter Chicken or murgh makhana is originally an Indian dish, thanks to the creativity of three Indians, Kundan Lal Gujral, Thakur Dass, and Kundan Lal Jaggi.

These Punjabi Hindu restaurateurs were the founders of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi in 1948. They came up with the idea of butter chicken to save the cooked chicken from drying out.

What are the Ingredients of Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is juicy and soft. Small chicken pieces are marinated in ginger, garlic, and other spices and are cooked until the tomato based creamy sauce turns into spicy gravy.

Common Ingredients

Chicken, cream, yogurt, tomato paste, onion, ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper, butter, turmeric, and garam masala.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Origin

In the 1960s most of the Indian restaurants of Britain were operated by Bangladeshi chefs who came up with the idea of Chicken Tikka Masala.

Some other source reports that Chicken Tikka Masala originated in an Indian restaurant of Glasgow. The story goes Ali Ahmed Aslam, a Pakistani chef came up with the idea of Chicken Tikka Masala by preparing a sauce from spices, cream, and yogurt.

It is considered one of the most popular non-vegetarian dishes in the UK.

What are the Ingredients of Chicken Tikka Masala?

This non-vegetarian dish is prepared almost just like butter chicken. This dish is less creamy and more intensified with tomato sauce.

Common Ingredients

Chicken, cream, yogurt, tomato paste, onion, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and garam masala.

The main difference between these two mouth-watering dishes is butter chicken has lesser tomato intensity and chicken tikka masala is less creamy than butter chicken.

Tikka masala is a dry dish that is cooked in the tandoor while butter masala is cooked in a pan over a fire.

Be it butter chicken or chicken tikka masala, enjoy your dish with rice, nun or roti and savor its delectable taste.