Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its rich and creamy flavour. The dish is believed to have originated in Delhi, India, during the 1950s when a chef accidentally mixed leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato and butter-based sauce. Since then, it has become a staple in Indian restaurants and households and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
The dish is made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt and spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The chicken is then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven, which gives it a smoky and charred flavour. The tomato and butter-based sauce, also known as makhani, is made by simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger in butter and cream until it becomes thick and creamy. The cooked chicken pieces are then added to the sauce, and the dish is garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Butter chicken can be enjoyed with a variety of Indian bread such as naan or roti and is also commonly served with rice. It is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavours that make it a favorite among people who love Indian cuisine. The dish can also be adjusted to suit individual tastes, with some people preferring it to be spicier or creamier than others.
In recent years, butter chicken has gained popularity globally, with many restaurants around the world offering their own unique take on the dish. However, the authentic taste of butter chicken can only be found in Indian Home Kitchens, where the dish is prepared using traditional methods and ingredients.
HISTORY & DISCOVERY OF BUTTER CHICKEN:
The origins of butter chicken are a subject of debate, and there is no clear consensus on who invented the dish. However, there are several stories and theories about its creation.
- THEORY-1: One theory is that the dish was created in the early 20th century by the chefs at Moti Mahal Deluxe, a restaurant in Delhi, India. According to this theory, the chefs came up with the recipe by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based gravy made with butter and cream. The resulting dish was a hit with customers and became a signature dish of the restaurant.
- THEORY-2: Another theory is that butter chicken was invented by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of Moti Mahal Deluxe. Gujral is said to have come up with the recipe as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken and make it more appealing to customers by adding a rich, creamy sauce.
Regardless of who invented butter chicken, there is no denying its popularity and widespread appeal. Today, it is a staple dish in Indian restaurants all over the world and is loved by foodies of all backgrounds. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors make it a favorite for special occasions and everyday meals alike.
BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE:
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that is known for its rich and creamy flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
- 500g boneless chicken pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
MARNATION: In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken and mix well to ensure that the chicken is fully covered with the Mixture. Marinate the Chicken in a refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the marinated chicken pieces. Set the chicken aside after 10 Minutes.
- In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy.
- Add the sugar and mix well.
- Using a hand blender or food processor, blend the onion and tomato mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Add Full cream and mix well with continuous stir.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.
TIPS:
- You can use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless chicken, but the cooking time may be longer.
- If you don’t have a hand blender or food processor, you can strain the onion and tomato mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps.
- Adjust the amount of spices and cream to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier butter chicken, you can increase the amount of garam masala or add some red chili powder.
- For a healthier version of butter chicken, you can use low-fat yogurt and cream or substitute cream with coconut milk.
- You can also add some vegetables like bell peppers, peas or potatoes to the dish to make it more nutritious and flavourful.
WHO MAKES THE BEST BUTTER CHICKEN IN INDIA?
There are several reasons why home chefs make the best Butter Chicken Recipe in India.
- Firstly, home chefs have the advantage of using fresh ingredients. Unlike restaurants that often prepare large quantities of food in advance, home chefs can use fresh ingredients that have been sourced from local markets. This allows them to ensure that the chicken is of high quality and that the spices and other ingredients are fresh and flavourful.
- Secondly, home chefs can customize the recipe to suit their taste. While butter chicken has a traditional recipe, home chefs can experiment with different spice blends and cooking techniques to create a dish that is perfectly suited to their preferences. This flexibility allows for a wide range of variations on the classic dish, ensuring that no two butter chickens are exactly alike.
- Thirdly, home chefs can take their time when preparing butter chicken. Restaurants often need to prepare food quickly to keep up with demand, but home chefs can take their time to marinate the chicken and simmer the sauce slowly to develop maximum flavour. This extra care and attention to detail can result in a richer, more complex flavour profile that is unmatched by restaurant versions of the dish.
- Finally, home chefs often have access to traditional cooking techniques and equipment that may not be available in restaurants. For example, many home chefs use a tandoor oven to cook the chicken, which gives it a unique smoky flavour that cannot be replicated in a regular oven. These traditional methods and equipment can elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Home Chefs make the best butter chicken in India due to their use of fresh ingredients, customization of the recipe, careful preparation, and access to traditional cooking techniques and equipment. Their love for cooking and attention to detail create a dish that is rich in flavour and truly special.
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