Introduction and History of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish renowned for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This dish has a fascinating history that traces back to the city of Delhi in the mid-20th century.
Legend has it that Butter Chicken was born out of a culinary experiment.
The story goes that the chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi accidentally prepared tandoori chicken leftover from the previous day by simmering it in a creamy tomato-based gravy. This accidental creation turned out to be a stroke of genius, and Butter Chicken quickly became a staple in Indian cuisine.
The key to a delicious Butter Chicken lies in its velvety sauce, which is made with a combination of tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. The marinated chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) for a smoky flavor before being simmered in the luscious sauce.
Recipe for Butter Chicken :
Ingredients:
500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Marinade:
In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
Cooking Instructions:
1. Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they splutter.
2.Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
3.Stir in the pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
4.Add the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5.Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6.Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or steamed rice.
Enjoy the creamy, flavorful Butter Chicken—a true culinary delight from India that will surely impress your taste buds!