Veggie Filled Butter Curry Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that boasts a luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce with tender chicken pieces. Despite its name, it’s not overly spicy, making it a favorite among those who prefer milder flavors. This Asian-inspired butter chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weekday dinner, ready in just thirty minutes. It relies on a medley of aromatic spices and ingredients to create its rich and flavorful profile. While you may need to stock up on a few spices for this dish, they can be used in various other recipes, making them worthwhile additions to your kitchen pantry. Serve this delightful butter chicken with a side of brown rice, garnished with lemon and fresh coriander for a truly satisfying meal.

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Serving Size: 3 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 large White Onion, finely diced
• 2 large Garlic Cloves
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
• 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
• 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 tablespoon Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 400 ml Coconut Milk can

INSTRUCTIONS:

Sauté Aromatics:

1. Begin by heating coconut oil or butter in a wide skillet or pot over low to medium-low heat until it’s fully melted.
2. Add the finely diced onion and cook for approximately 6 minutes or until it turns translucent.
3. Now, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for another 5 minutes until they become aromatic.
4. Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, coriander powder, paprika, cinnamon, and chili flakes.
5. Allow these spices to cook for about 1 minute, occasionally swirling them in the pan.

Create the Tomato Base:

1. Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the mixture.

Simmer and Blend:

1. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a deep, rich, and dark red-brown color.
2. Remove the sauce from the heat and transfer it to a blender, adding salt to taste.
3. If the mixture is too thick to blend, add up to a quarter cup of water.
4. Blend the sauce in batches if your blender is on the smaller side.

Add Coconut Milk:

1. Return the blended sauce to the skillet or pot.
2. Stir in the coconut milk and sugar.

Cook with Protein:

1. At this stage, you can add your choice of cooked protein, such as chicken, lentils, chickpeas, or vegan chicken.
2. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serve:

1. Garnish the butter chicken with corn and fresh coriander.

TIPS:

• Adjust the quantity of chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Use boneless chicken pieces for a quicker cooking time.
• You can also substitute the protein with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version.
• Serve this delectable butter chicken with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Butter Chicken is a delightful and indulgent dish that marries a symphony of flavors into a creamy, rich sauce. This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting taste of butter chicken in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Enjoy the enticing world of Butter Chicken!