Saffron Malai Chicken Tikka

The key ingredient Saffron is an expensive spice, but because of its strong, pungent flavor, a little goes a long way. Combining warm milk with saffron allows the herb's exotic flavor to blossom.

It is important to serve these tikkas right out of the oven to get the best flavor. This recipe will serve 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 500 gms boneless chicken-cut into 1-2" inch pieces.

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 teaspoon green cardamom powder (seeds of cardamom crushed)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 2 teaspoons cornflour
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic paste
• Juice of 1 lemon -squeezed into the tikkas
• Pinch of saffron soaked in 4-5 tablespoons warm milk
• 5 tablespoon fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• Oil for basting in the oven

Method:

• Marinade the chicken pieces with the above marinade in a zip lock bag preferably overnight.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approx 205 degrees Celsius).
• Divide chicken evenly onto each of the skewers. Place skewers on grill rack .
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Baste with oil and grill for another 15 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.
• Serve hot.