Chicken Tika with Yogurt and Nuts

Creamy and fragrant, chicken tika is very popular throughout Europe and some say has surpassed fish and chips as being the most popular dish in Britain.
       
Light, delicious, and easy to prepare, it does not require an elaborate list of ingredients or long hours of cooking. Rice pilau and Indian breads such as parathas or chapatis make great accompaniments.
       
Marinade:
       
1 cup plain yogurt
1-inch piece ginger       
4 cloves garlic       
freshly ground pepper       
1 lb. chicken breast, skinned and cut into bite-size pieces       
3 Tbsp. peanut oil       
1 tsp. ground coriander       
1 tsp. cumin seeds       
2 Tbsp. tomato paste       
1 tsp. turmeric powder       
1 tsp. salt       
1 tsp. chili powder       
4 oz. heavy cream
       
Garnish:
       
1/4 cup roasted or slivered almonds       
1/4 cup roasted cashews       
fresh coriander leaves       
1 1/2 tsp. garam masala
       
Lightly whip the yogurt. Put ginger and garlic cloves in a blender and pulse until you obtain a coarse paste. Add ginger/garlic paste and pepper to yogurt; mix well. Add chicken and use a wooden spoon or your fingers to thoroughly coat each piece; marinate for an hour or two in the refrigerator.
       
Heat the oil in a skillet or shallow pan. Sauté the coriander and cumin seeds for 30 seconds, and then add the tomato paste. Keep stirring and add turmeric. Cook until the oil is visible on the sides and then add the marinated chicken, along with marinade. Stir constantly, being careful to prevent burning, reducing heat if necessary. Add salt and chili powder. Cook, covered, on moderate heat until the chicken juices run clear and the sauce has a creamy consistency.
       
Pour the cream over the cooking chicken, and simmer for a couple of minutes. Garnish with almonds, cashews, and coriander leaves and sprinkle with garam masala. Serves 4.