India, butter chicken

Butter chicken, also known as “murgh makhani,” is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. Here’s a basic recipe to make butter chicken at home:

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 can (400g) of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the chicken:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Prepare the sauce:
   • In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add spices and tomato puree:
   • Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, garam masala, and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the tomato puree and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend the sauce:
   • Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then blend it into a smooth mixture using a blender or immersion blender.
6. Finish the dish:
   • Return the blended sauce to the pan. Add the baked chicken pieces and simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and heavy cream. Adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the butter chicken with steamed rice, naan, or your choice of Indian bread.

Enjoy your homemade butter chicken! Feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your preferences.

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