Rohit Ghai's cheese hot cross bun chicken tikka sandwich recipe

Rohit Ghai's cheese hot cross bun chicken tikka sandwich

Rohit says: "My recipe takes inspiration from a classic British and Indian favourite, the much-loved chicken tikka masala – a staple on curry house menus across the country. Inspired by the combination of sweet and spice in the hot cross bun, I thought what better homage than to incorporate the flavours of this rich curry, which balances tikka spices with sweet tomato, to create a delicious Easter meal that all the family will enjoy."

See method
  • Serves 8
  • 20 mins to prepare and 45 mins to cook, plus 3 hrs marinating
  • 416 calories / serving

    Ingredients

    For the chicken

    • 8 chicken boneless and skinless thighs, cut into small pieces
    • 1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
    • 1 tbsp lime juice
    • 100g Greek-style yogurt
    • 15g Kashmiri or mild chilli powder
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 1 tbsp dry kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)
    • ½ tsp garam masala

    For the tikka masala sauce

    • 75ml rapeseed oil
    • 200g frozen diced onions
    • 1 tbsp chopped garlic
    • 1 tbsp chopped ginger, plus extra 2 tbsp
    • 2-3 finger chillies, chopped (optional)
    • 1 tsp garam masala
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp ground coriander
    • 1 tsp Kashmiri or mild chilli powder
    • 150g tomato purée
    • 50ml double cream
    • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
    • 50g butter​
    • 1 tbsp dry kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)

    To assemble

    • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
    • 2 packs Tesco Finest 4 Cheddar and red Leicester hot cross buns
    • lettuce leaves

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    Each serving contains

    Energy
    1745kJ 416.0kcal
    21%
    Fat
    22g
    high31%
    Saturates
    7g
    high34%
    Salt
    1.1g
    medium18%
    Sugars
    3g
    low3%

    of the Reference intake

    Carbohydrate 23.6gProtein 30.2gFibre 1.9g

    Method

    1. Put the chicken pieces in a large bowl with the ginger and garlic paste, a pinch of salt and the lime juice and set aside. Meanwhile, mix together the yogurt, chilli powder, oil, kasuri methi, garam masala and a pinch of salt. Pour over the chicken and turn to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 3-4 hrs.
    2. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Cook the marinated chicken for about 15-mins or until cooked through. Set aside.
    3. Meanwhile, make the masala sauce. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the onions for 8-10 mins until turning golden brown. Add the garlic, ginger and chillies (if using), and sauté for 1 min until fragrant, then add powdered spices and a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally.
    4. Stir in the tomato purée and simmer for about 10-15 mins, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and turns a deep reddish-brown. Stir in the cream and honey (if using) and continue to cook, stirring regularly.
    5. Add the chicken to the sauce and cook for a further 8-10 mins until the sauce is thick and bubbling. Add a dash of water if it’s too thick. Finish the sauce with the butter and kasuri methi. Garnish with the extra chopped ginger.
    6. To assemble, mix 2 tbsp tikka masala sauce with the mayonnaise in a bowl and set aside. Make a slit in each hot cross bun and warm up in the oven. Add lettuce leaves to the bases, then divide the chicken tikka filling among the buns. Top each with a spoonful of the mixed tikka masala mayonnaise. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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