Butter Chicken:


Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender pieces of chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a staple at Indian restaurants and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The origins of butter chicken can be traced back to the 1950s in Delhi, India. It is said to have been created by a chef at the Moti Mahal Restaurant, who used leftover tandoori chicken and added a creamy tomato sauce to create a new dish. The dish quickly gained popularity and became a menu staple at Indian restaurants around the world.

Butter chicken is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, such as garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. The chicken is then grilled or baked until tender. The sauce for butter chicken is made with a base of pureed tomatoes, butter, and heavy cream, and is seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. The cooked chicken is added to the sauce and simmered until it is heated through.

One of the things that makes butter chicken so delicious is the balance of flavors. The spicy marinade and aromatic sauce complement each other perfectly, and the creamy texture of the sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. It is usually served with basmati rice or naan bread, which helps to soak up all of the delicious sauce.

Butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as raita, papadum, and chutney. It can also be served with vegetables, such as peas and bell peppers, for a more well-rounded meal.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making butter chicken at home. It may take a little bit of time to prepare, but the end result is well worth it. Just be sure to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the sauce comes together quickly once it is heated.

In conclusion, butter chicken is a delicious and beloved Indian dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and aromatic spices make it a standout dish that is sure to impress.

Recipe:

Here is a unique twist on traditional butter chicken that you can try at home:

Butter Chicken with Cashews and Raisins

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup raisins

For Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine the yoghurt, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  2.  Chicken pieces should be added and mixed with the coating. For a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 8 hours, cover and chill.
  3. Set the oven to 400°F. A baking pan should be lined with parchment paper. 
  4. Bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is fully done, on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Make the sauce while the chicken is cooking. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. 
  6. Five minutes should be enough time to soften the onion after adding it. Cook for another minute after adding the garlic and ginger. Garam masala, cumin, and chili powder are then stirred in. 
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil before adding the smashed tomatoes. Allow the meal to simmer for 10 minutes after reducing the heat.
  8. Stir in the salt, cashews, raisins, and heavy cream. For about five minutes, add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer until well warmed. Along with naan bread and basmati rice, serve the butter chicken. Enjoy!

With the inclusion of cashews and raisins, this variation of butter chicken has a distinctively sweet and nutty flavor. The quantity of cashews and raisins may be changed to suit your preferences. Other dried fruits, like apricots or cranberries, as well as other nuts, like almonds or pistachios, can be included. Try out several combinations of ingredients to find the one that you like the most.

Nutrtion:

Butter chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it can be high in calories and fat due to the use of butter and heavy cream in the sauce. Here is a rough estimate of the nutrition information for a serving of butter chicken:

  • Calories: approximately 400-500 calories per serving
  • Fat: approximately 25-30 grams per serving
  • Protein: approximately 25-30 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: approximately 30-40 grams per serving

It is important to note that the exact nutrition content of butter chicken will depend on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. If you are watching your calorie intake or are concerned about the fat content of this dish, you may want to consider using lighter substitutes for the butter and cream, such as coconut milk or low-fat yogurt. You can also try adding more vegetables to the dish to increase the overall nutritional value.