Ginger-Spiced Chicken Tikka Sandwich with Cumin-Tomato Mayo

Name: Ginger-Spiced Chicken Tikka Sandwich with Cumin-Tomato Mayo
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons ghee; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger; 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic; 1/3 cup plain yogurt; 3 tablespoons tomato puree; 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts; Kosher salt; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon cumin seed, ground; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onions; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 4 naan or pita breads; 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

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The yogurt in this sensational sandwich almost pickles and cures the marinated chicken, while the tandoori crust keeps everything juicy inside. The bright yellow roasted peppers add crunch to the creaminess of the earthy, spicy tomato mayo, and the garam masala makes it magic. Refrain from devouring every bite on sight and savor this over a glass of cold wine or a beer.

Yield: Serves 4

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

3 teaspoons ghee

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

1/3 cup plain yogurt

3 tablespoons tomato puree

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Kosher salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon cumin seed, ground

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup thinly sliced yellow onions

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

4 naan or pita breads

1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions

1. In a small pan over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon of the ghee. Add the garam masala, ginger, and garlic and cook for 30 seconds (this will bring out the flavorful oils of the spices). Transfer to a medium bowl large enough for the chicken. Stir in the yogurt and 2 tablespoons of the tomato puree.
2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into 3 to 4 slices. Place in the yogurt mixture and coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Wipe the marinade off the chicken. Discard the marinade. Season the chicken with salt. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon of the remaining ghee. Once the ghee is hot, saute the chicken until golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, the remaining 1 tablespoon tomato puree, and the cumin. Set aside.
5. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 teaspoon ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the red bell pepper, onions, and turmeric. Sprinkle with salt. Saute until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
6. Spread the bread with the mayonnaise mixture (if using pita, split it open). Add the chicken, then the peppers and onions mixture. Garnish with the cilantro. Serve immediately.