Butter Chicken

butter_chicken

Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that is an absolute delight for the taste buds. It is believed to have originated in the 1950s in Delhi, India, and has since then become a popular North Indian delicacy both in India and around the world.

The dish is made up of chicken pieces that are marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices and herbs such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. After marination, the chicken is grilled and then lightly fried in a buttery gravy made from onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and cream.

The combination of tender chicken pieces, fragrant spices, and creamy sauce makes this dish a true comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The rich and mildly spiced sauce is perfect for those who love the flavors of Indian cuisine but are not fond of the heat commonly found in some of the other Indian dishes.

When it comes to pairing this dish with other Indian delicacies, it complements well with rice, naan, roti, or any other Indian bread. It can also be enjoyed with a side of vegetables, such as sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower, for a wholesome meal.

Butter chicken is a versatile dish, and the key to getting the perfect flavors is in the spices and the buttery gravy. If you’re new to Indian cooking, it could seem like a daunting task to gather all the necessary ingredients and create the complex flavors that make up this dish. However, with some patience and attention to detail, anyone can create a delicious and authentic butter chicken.

One of the essential ingredients in this recipe is ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking. It gives a unique nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can easily make ghee at home by slowly cooking unsalted butter and removing the milk solids to obtain the clarified butter.

The use of spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon creates a rich and warm sensation on the palate, while turmeric and cumin impart earthy notes to the dish. The tomatoes used in the gravy balance out the richness and creaminess of the sauce while also adding a tangy flavor.

Although butter chicken is traditionally made with chicken, it can be easily adapted to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegan-friendly option or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

In conclusion, Indian Butter Chicken is an iconic dish that has become a staple in the Indian culinary lexicon. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s delicious, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for friends and family or just looking for some comfort food, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp. ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. grated ginger
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil and ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.

  3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute.

  4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. Add the garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine.

  6. Cover the pan and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

  7. Stir in the sugar and heavy cream and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

  8. Adjust seasoning as needed, and serve over rice with fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy!