Pair dishes like chicken tikka masala with a Merlot, says Guibord, since “the smoky flavor from the tandoor cooking and subtle spices shine when matched with a softer tannin, fruit-forward wine.”
Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish, is characterized by its rich, creamy tomato sauce and the complex blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dishs intensity and depth of flavor, combined with a moderate level of heat, require a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them. The wine should ideally have a good acidity to cut through the creaminess, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, and enough flavor complexity to complement the dishs own intricate spice blend. An off-dry German Riesling would be a good match for Chicken Tikka Masala. This wine is known for its balance of sweetness and acidity, which can help to counteract the dishs heat and creaminess. The Riesling grape, primarily grown in Germany, often produces wines with flavors of green apple, lime, and mineral, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the dish. Barbera, a red wine from Italy, is another good option. This wine is known for its high acidity and low tannins, which means it can cut through the creaminess of the dish without adding additional bitterness. The primary flavors in Barbera wines are cherry, blackberry, and plum, which can complement the dishs tomato-based sauce. A Gewürztraminer from Alsace, a region in France, could also pair well with Chicken Tikka Masala. Gewürztraminer is a white grape variety that produces wines with a pronounced aromatic profile, often including notes of lychee, rose, and exotic spices. This aromatic complexity can match the complexity of the dish, while the wines slight sweetness can help to balance the dishs heat.
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Harley Morenstein and Lara Amersey Ask What Goes Better with Tikka Masala, Red or White Wine?
FAQ
What red wine goes well with tikka masala?
What do you drink with tikka masala?
What kind of red wine goes with Indian food?
What wine goes with chicken masala?
What wine goes with chicken tikka masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala pairs best with wines that are high in acidity, have a kiss of sweetness, and are low in alcohol such as Riesling, Barbera, Lambrusco, Sparkling Rosé, Zinfandel. If your Chicken Tikka Masala is not spicy, bolder red wines such as Zinfandel, Ribera del Duero and Syrah make for excellent choices.
What to drink with chicken tikka masala?
For example, you might start with a glass of Pinot Blanc when you start your meal. Then, you might enjoy your chicken tikka masala in a different glass, like sparkling wine. Imagine you discover an excellent pairing with chicken at your next meal. It might be a dish with garam masala or Indian veggie food.
Does chicken tikka masala have alcoholic beverages?
When you indulge in the rich flavors of chicken tikka masala, non-alcoholic beverages that offer a refreshing acidity or a sweet counterbalance can elevate your meal experience. These choices cool the palate and complement the spicy and savory notes of the dish.
What wine goes well with tandoori chicken?
When it comes to most food and wine pairings, the general recommendation is that the color of your wine should match the color of the meat. Tandoori chicken goes against this recommendation, pairing perfectly with Pinot Noir. You can also choose a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.