Butter Chicken (Murg Makhani)

Butter, and Chicken.  Yes, it is really good.

This is an extremely popular Indian dish that can be as spicy or mild as you like, but is typically not very spicy. Certainly not so much that it will sear your taste buds right off. In fact, I made this for a group of friends a few months ago, and many in the group said it reminded them of Chicken Paprikash - quite similar in its use of ingredients. So, since this is a close cousin to the popular American dish (if you're familiar with it) you will know that it isn't that spicy. Do try it!

Butter Chicken (Murg Makhani)

Serves 8

You will need:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
Juice of 1 lime
1 heaped tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust to suit your taste)
3 tbsps veg oil
2 onions chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
10 whole black peppercorns
2 tablespoons garam masala
2 tsps coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt

4 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish

3 tbsps butter, brought to room temperature

Salt to taste

Mix the chicken, lime juice, salt and red chilli powder in a large, non-metallic bowl. Cover and allow to marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Whisk together the yogurt, garam masala, peppercorns, coriander, cumin and turmeric powders and add them to the chicken. Allow to marinate for another hour in refrigerator.

Heat the oil in a deep pan on medium heat. When hot, add the onions and fry until golden brown. Then add the ginger and garlic. Fry for a minute.

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade mix (save the marinade! you will need it shortly) and fry the chicken pieces till cooked through, (for 1" size pieces this would take about 5 minutes on medium heat on my stove - the cooking time will vary for you). Now add the tomato paste, chicken stock, and reserved marinade mix to the chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened and reduced by about half.

Then, melt the butter and pour it over the chicken, stir to combine. If desired garnished with cilantro, and serve hot with rice or any flatbread. Enjoy!