Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular and beloved dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken. Traditionally made with heavy cream and butter, it’s a decadent comfort food enjoyed around the world. However, this recipe adds a creative twist to the classic dish by incorporating coconut milk and cashew nuts, which bring a unique richness and a hint of sweetness to the dish, enhancing the flavours without the usual heaviness. The result is a lighter yet equally delicious version of butter chicken that is perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on this classic favourite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
•500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
•1/2 cup plain yogurt
•1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
•1 tablespoon ground turmeric
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon garam masala
•1 teaspoon chilli powder
•Salt to taste
•Juice of 1 lemon
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
•1 tablespoon vegetable oil
•1 large onion, finely chopped
•2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
•1 can (400ml) coconut milk
•1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
•1/2 cup tomato puree
•1 teaspoon ground coriander
•1 teaspoon chilli powder
•1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
•Salt to taste
•1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
•2 tablespoons butter
•Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the chicken marinade. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, ground turmeric, ground cumin, garam masala, chilli powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavour.
2. Prepare the Cashew Paste:
While the chicken marinates, prepare the cashew paste for the sauce. Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with a little water to form a smooth paste. Set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Make the Butter Chicken Sauce:
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the tomato puree, ground coriander, chilli powder, and cinnamon. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavours. Add the coconut milk, cashew paste, and honey (if using), and mix everything together. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the pieces in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavours. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce, remove the pan from heat. Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of colour and freshness. Serve the dish with steamed rice, naan bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
•Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer for a delicious vegetarian twist on this butter chicken recipe.
•Nuts: For added texture, consider sprinkling some whole roasted cashews or almonds on top before serving.
•Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chilli powder or add chopped green chilies to the sauce.
This creamy butter chicken with a twist is a rich, flavourful dish that combines traditional Indian spices with the creamy goodness of coconut milk and cashew paste. The subtle sweetness from the coconut and honey balances the heat from the spices, creating a comforting, indulgent dish that is sure to become a new favourite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this fusion of flavours will have everyone coming back for more.
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