(Murgh Makhani) 10 Steps To A Delicious Butter Chicken
MURGH MAKHANI
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that has gained international recognition. This creamy and flavorful chicken curry is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. The combination of aromatic spices and velvety butter makes Butter Chicken an absolute delight for your taste buds. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a scrumptious Butter Chicken that will leave your family and friends craving for more.
Ingredient List
To prepare Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Preparation Method
Follow these steps to prepare the Butter Chicken:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, salt, and half of the ginger and garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Heat the butter and oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the remaining ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Mix well and add this spice mixture to the pan. Stir and cook for a minute to toast the spices.
- Now, add the tomato puree to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil separates from the sides.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Crush the dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and sprinkle them over the chicken curry. This will enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Season with salt according to your taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the Butter Chicken from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook
Now that we have prepared the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step cooking instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, salt, and half of the grated ginger and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade. Set it aside for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the butter and oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This will take approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Ginger, Garlic, and Spices
Once the onions have caramelized, add the remaining grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about a minute until the raw aroma disappears. In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Mix well to create a spice blend. Add this mixture to the pan and stir to coat the onions, ginger, and garlic with the spices. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Puree
Pour the tomato puree into the pan and stir to combine it with the onion and spice mixture. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sides. This indicates that the tomato puree has cooked down and intensified in flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Stir well to coat the chicken with the tomato and spice mixture. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Introduce Cream and Fenugreek Leaves
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine the cream with the chicken and tomato sauce. The cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish. Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi) between your palms to release their aromatic oils and sprinkle them over the chicken curry. This step enhances the flavor profile of the dish. Stir gently to incorporate the fenugreek leaves into the sauce.
Step 7: Season and Simmer
Taste the Butter Chicken and season it with salt according to your preference. Remember to start with a little salt and adjust as needed. Simmer the dish for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Butter Chicken from the heat and garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant green cilantro adds a touch of freshness to the dish. Serve the Butter Chicken hot with naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice. The creamy and aromatic flavors of this classic Indian dish are sure to delight your taste buds.
Number of Servings and Serving Size
This Butter Chicken recipe serves approximately 4 people. The serving size is about 1 cup of cooked Butter Chicken per person. Adjust the recipe quantities accordingly if you need to serve more or fewer people.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cup) of Butter Chicken:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 38g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a delicious and creamy Indian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Its rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and velvety butter, creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The tender chicken pieces soak up the luscious sauce, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
Preparing Butter Chicken requires a balance of spices, a slow simmering process, and the incorporation of cream to achieve its signature creamy texture. The marinade of yogurt and spices ensures that the chicken remains tender and flavorful. By following this recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Butter Chicken in your kitchen.
Remember, while the dish may appear complex, the step-by-step instructions provided here make it approachable and achievable for home cooks of all levels. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality Butter Chicken that will impress your family and friends.
So why not embark on a culinary adventure and treat yourself to the delectable flavors of Butter Chicken? Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a desire for a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please. Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions closely, and savor the delightful taste of Butter Chicken.