Butter Chicken Origin & Recipe

Origin and abouts :

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the northern region of Punjab. It is a rich and creamy dish made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a blend of spices, grilled or baked, and then simmered in a sauce made with tomato puree, cream, and butter.

The dish was invented in the 1950s in Delhi, India, by a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral. Gujral owned a restaurant called Moti Mahal, which was known for its tandoori chicken. One day, he decided to use leftover tandoori chicken and make a new dish, which he simmered in a tomato and butter sauce. Thus, butter chicken was born.

Butter chicken is now a staple in Indian cuisine and has become popular all over the world. It is typically served with rice or naan bread, and it is often enjoyed as a main course in Indian restaurants.

The preparation of butter chicken involves marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, along with yogurt and lemon juice. The chicken is then grilled or baked until it is cooked through and slightly charred.

For the sauce, a combination of onion, garlic, ginger, and tomato puree is cooked down until it forms a thick paste. The chicken is then added to the sauce and simmered for a few minutes. Finally, a generous amount of cream and butter is added to the dish to give it its signature rich and creamy flavor.

One of the reasons that butter chicken has become so popular is its balance of flavors. The spices give the dish a rich and complex flavor, while the creamy sauce balances out the heat. The butter adds richness and depth to the dish, and the tomato adds a tangy note.

Butter chicken is also a versatile dish, as it can be adjusted to fit different tastes. Some people prefer it with more heat, while others prefer it with less spice. Additionally, the dish can be made with different cuts of chicken, such as bone-in chicken or chicken thighs, depending on personal preference.

In recent years, there have been variations of the traditional butter chicken recipe, such as vegan butter chicken made with tofu or paneer (Indian cheese) instead of chicken. These variations allow people with dietary restrictions to enjoy the flavors of the dish.

Overall, butter chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that has become a staple in Indian cuisine. Its rich and creamy sauce, combined with the bold flavors of the spices, make it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all tastes and backgrounds.

Recipe:

Butter chicken is a delicious and popular Indian dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Here is a recipe for butter chicken that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

1 kg boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp ginger paste

2 tbsp garlic paste

1 tbsp red chili powder

1 tbsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric powder

Salt, to taste

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp butter

2 large onions, finely chopped

4 large tomatoes, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and formed a thick sauce.

Stir in the heavy cream, honey, and dried fenugreek leaves. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!