Murgh makhani, another name for butter chicken, is a popular dish from India. The dish is characterized by its creamy, tomato-based sauce and its tender, succulent chunks of chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Then heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it gets softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add 2 fine cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato puree and bring to a simmer. Cook it for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the heavy cream and butter to the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the marinated chicken and any accumulated marinade to the skillet. Lower the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve it with rice or naan bread.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Butter Chicken!
Benefits of eating Butter Chicken
One of the main benefits of eating butter chicken is that it is a good source of protein. Chicken is a lean protein essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are looking to build muscle or for those who are recovering from an injury.
Butter chicken also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. For example, tomatoes, a key ingredient in the sauce, are a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, both of which have been shown to have antioxidant properties. Additionally, yogurt, used to marinate the chicken, is a good source of calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones.
Another benefit of eating butter chicken is that it can help to improve digestion. Probiotics, a type of good bacteria that can enhance gut health, are present in the yogurt used in the marinade. Additionally, tomatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep the digestive system regular.
Butter chicken is also an excellent dish for those looking to lose weight. While it is high in calories, the dish is also high in protein, which can help to keep you feeling full for longer. Additionally, yogurt instead of cream in the marinade can help reduce the dish’s overall fat content.
In conclusion, butter chicken is not only delicious, but it also offers many health benefits. It’s a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and can help to improve digestion and aid in weight loss. So, next time you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious meal, consider butter chicken!
FAQs:
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
The spice level of Butter Chicken can vary depending on the recipe. Some versions may be mild, while others may be pretty spicy. Adjusting the number of spices used can make the dish milder or spicier to taste.
How is Butter Chicken typically served?
Butter Chicken is typically served with rice or Indian bread such as naan. Additionally, it can be eaten with lentils or veggies.
Can Butter chicken be made vegetarian?
Yes, Butter Chicken can be made vegetarian by replacing the chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers or paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
How is Butter Chicken typically made?
A yogurt and spice marinade is used to prepare the chicken to make butter chicken. Then, it is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with cream and butter. The sauce is seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
How long does it take to make Butter Chicken?
The total time to make Butter Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method, but it takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
