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Instant Pot Tikka Masala: Weeknight Bliss In Less Than 30 Minutes

The hustle and bustle of modern life often leave little time for elaborate dinner preparations, yet the craving for a comforting and flavourful meal persists. Enter the Instant Pot Tikka Masala, a dish that promises to satisfy your palate while fitting seamlessly into a busy weeknight routine. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up this traditional Indian classic, infused with aromatic spices and succulent pieces of chicken, all without losing any of the authenticity that makes this dish a favourite across the globe.

What is Tikka Masala?

Tikka Masala is a vibrant curry dish, renowned for its creamy tomato sauce and bold spices. Originating from Indian cuisine, it is often made with marinated grilled chicken (or paneer for a vegetarian option) stirred into a rich sauce crafted from tomatoes, cream, and a symphony of spices. While traditionally this dish can take hours to prepare, the Instant Pot makes it possible to achieve that same tantalising flavour in a fraction of the time.

Why Choose an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has revolutionised home cooking for many, simplifying the process of crafting complex dishes by combining the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, and steamer into one appliance. For busy weeknights, this adaptability allows for swift preparation, but the true magic lies in the way it locks in flavours, creating meals that taste as if they’ve been simmering for hours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delectable Instant Pot Tikka Masala, gather the following ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken (thigh or breast), cubed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 200ml coconut milk or double cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the vegetable oil, followed by the chopped onion. Sauté until softened, roughly 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

Add the garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and paprika to the pot. Stir the spices into the onion mixture, allowing them to toast slightly for about a minute. This step is crucial, as it elevates the overall flavour of your dish.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Toss in the cubed chicken pieces, coating them thoroughly with the spiced onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Introduce the chopped tomatoes into the pot, giving it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the pressure cooking mode for 8 minutes. Ensure that the valve is set to sealing. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

After the pressure has fully released and the lid is safe to open, stir in the coconut milk or double cream, blending it into the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle your Tikka Masala over a bed of steaming basmati rice or serve it alongside warm naan bread. Garnish generously with chopped fresh coriander for a vibrant finish.

Conclusion

There you have it—Instant Pot Tikka Masala, a weeknight wonder that bridges the gap between convenience and culinary delight. With minimal effort and a bit of preparation, you can transform your evening into a fragrant, satisfying experience, all in less than half an hour. So next time you’re pressed for time but still wish to indulge in something special, reach for your Instant Pot and treat yourself to this delicious, homemade Tikka Masala.