Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

 Deliciously Creamy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings

Introduction:

 Indulge in the flavors of India with this delightful Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani. A quintessential North Indian dish, it's a creamy and rich curry featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt. The aromatic tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and cream, creates a luscious gravy that pairs perfectly with naan, rice, or roti. Let's embark on a culinary journey to make this iconic dish in the comfort of your kitchen. Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces. Here's a basic recipe on how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Marination:

• 
  600 grams of boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• One tablespoon of ginger garlic paste
• One teaspoon of red chili powder
• One teaspoon of turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• Two tablespoons butter
• One tablespoon of vegetable oil
• One large onion, finely chopped
• 
  One tablespoon of ginger garlic paste
• One teaspoon of red chili powder 
• One teaspoon of garam masala
• One teaspoon of ground coriander
• One teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)
• 1 cup tomato puree (from 2-3 tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt in a bowl.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade to ensure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 35 minutes, or refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for better flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a pan or over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of oil.

Add the marinated chicken or cook until light brown and cooked through. Set them aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In the same pan, add two tablespoons of butter.

Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly brown.

Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

Stir in red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, and kasuri methi (if using).

Add tomato pureed and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates from the paste.

 Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the tomato sauce and mix well.

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finish with Cream:

Pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Adjust salt and spice levels to taste.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve your delicious Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) hot with naan, rice, or roti.

Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken with its rich, creamy tomato sauce! Adjust the spice levels to your taste, and you can also add touch of honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. 

Conclusion:

 The enticing aroma and heavenly taste of Butter Chicken make it a favorite in Indian cuisine. By marinating the chicken in a mix of spices and yogurt and carefully preparing the creamy tomato-based sauce, you've mastered a dish that's sure to impress. Whether it's a special occasion or a desire for something truly indulgent, this Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful choice. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the satisfaction of creating a classic Indian dish at home.