Indian Chicken Masala

I'm trying to be better at cooking for us :)  Lately, I've spent almost all day in the labs at school cooking with students but I've forgotten how much I love to cook and experiment at home.  My fabulous sister told me about Mel's Kitchen Cafe, if you have not seen this blog you need to add it to your bookmarks! There are so many incredible recipes

I found a wonderful recipe from her blog and made a few changes.  After going grocery shopping we invited over my younger sister and her husband for a Indian Dinner Picnic :)  It was a great success and brother-in-law Glen said "this is Tandoori Oven restaurant good!"  Here is the recipe....

Indian Chicken Masala

YIELD: SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded, and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
• 2 teaspoons garam masala (this is the most important ingredient :) I found it at the grocery store along with the other spices)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half (choose fat-free to make it healthier)
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 2-3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Hot cooked rice for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion, ginger and jalapeno. Stir over heat until onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes.) Stir in garlic, garam masala, chili powder, and coriander. Cook and stir for another minute.
2. Put the mixture into a blender or food processor and add tomato paste and chicken broth. Blend together until smooth. Pour the sauce back into the skillet and add the half and half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and add the chicken and the salt and pepper. Stir together and keep at a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened (about 15 minutes.)
3. Serve the chicken and sauce over rice. to make it prettier, garnish with fresh cilantro.