Creamy Butter chicken (murgh makhni)

Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Delightful Indian Classic

   

Butter Chicken, also known as "Murgh Makhani," is a beloved North Indian dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This delectable dish features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. In this blog, we'll explore how to make this classic restaurant-style Creamy Butter Chicken right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup yogurt

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 tablespoon oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, pureed

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/4 cup heavy cream

- 1/4 cup cashew nut paste (grind soaked cashews into a smooth paste)

- Salt to taste

- Sugar to balance the acidity (optional)

Garnish:

- Fresh cream

- Fresh coriander leaves

- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   - In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt.

   - Add the chicken pieces to this marinade, ensuring they are well coated.

   - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   - In a large pan, heat some oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In the same pan, add butter and a bit of oil.

   - Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

   - Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few more minutes.

   - Add the tomato puree and continue to cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

   - Season with red chili powder, garam masala, and a pinch of salt.

   - Stir in the cashew nut paste and cook until the sauce thickens.

4. Blend and Finish:

   - Allow the sauce to cool and then blend it into a smooth paste using a blender.

   - Return the sauce to the pan and add the cooked chicken pieces.

   - Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.

   - Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

   - Add sugar if the sauce is too tangy.

5. Simmer and Garnish:

   - Let the Butter Chicken simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

   - Garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream, fresh coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of kasuri methi.

Conclusion:

Creamy Butter Chicken is a dish that never fails to impress. Its rich and velvety tomato-based sauce, combined with tender chicken, offers a symphony of flavors that make it a go-to choice for Indian food enthusiasts. Whether you serve it with naan, rice, or paratha, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy this delightful Indian classic made with love right in your kitchen!