Main Dishes

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Mango Lassi, and The Lincoln Highway

April 14, 2025
editor
Indulge in a luxurious evening with a serving of Chicken Tikka Masala, paired perfectly with Amor Towles’s "The Lincoln Highway" and a refreshing Mango Lassi. Both the book and the dish offer deep, layered experiences, much like the mix of spices that envelop the chicken. The warmth of Indian cuisine complements the adventurous and heartfelt journey in Towles’s novel, while the Mango Lassi provides a sweet, cool balance to the spices. This trio transforms an ordinary night into an exquisite culinary and literary adventure.
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, salt, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill or sear the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred on the outside but not fully cooked through. Set the chicken aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Spices and Tomato:

  • Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and chili powder (if using). Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. Add the tomato puree and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish the Dish:

  • Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, mixing well to combine. Add the partially cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened. Season with salt to taste.

Serve:

  • Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

The Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway

A novel about the adventures and struggles of a young man who is trying to rebuild his life after serving time in a juvenile work farm. Set in the 1950s, it explores themes of redemption and the pursuit of new beginnings.
"In June 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the working farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. His mother is long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett intends to pick up his eight-year-old brother and head west where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the working farm have hidden in the trunk of the warden's car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett's future. Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles' third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling, while providing an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes."–Container.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the setting of the 1950s influence the events of the story?
  • Discuss the significance of the Lincoln Highway in the novel.
  • How do the characters' pasts affect their decisions throughout the novel?
  • In what ways are themes of forgiveness and redemption explored?
  • Analyze the role of friendship in the story.
  • How do the different perspectives of the characters enhance the narrative?
  • What is the importance of dreams and aspirations in the book?
  • Discuss the symbolism found within the novel.
  • How does Towles use humor to balance the darker themes?
  • Consider the ending: what future do you imagine for the characters?
Authors: Amor Towles
ISBN: 0735222355
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-11-02

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi
A refreshing and creamy yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes, sugar, and a hint of cardamom.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cold water or milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine the mango, yogurt, water (or milk), sugar, and cardamom in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Add ice cubes if desired and blend again until frothy.
  • Serve chilled in tall glasses.