Indian Series: Butter Chicken

Serves: 2-3

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Butter chicken, which is one of our absolute favorite Indian dishes, is a quick and easy recipe to try out. Just make sure to marinate the meat overnight, or for at least 8 hours prior to cooking for the best results. This dish is packed with flavor and spices, and will have you always wanting more.

Ingredients

For the marinade:

14 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup plain yogurt

¾ tbs minced garlic

½ tbs ginger, finely grated

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp red chili powder

½ tsp of salt

For the sauce:

1 tbs olive oil

1 tbs ghee (or 1 tbs butter + 1 tbs oil)

½ large onion, chopped

¾ tbs garlic, minced

½ tbs ginger, finely grated

¾ tsp ground cumin

¾ tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground coriander

7 oz crushed tomatoes

½ tsp red chili powder

⅔ tsp salt, to taste)

½ cup of heavy cream

½ tbs sugar

¼ tsp dried fenugreek leaves

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the cut up chicken and all the marinade ingredients. Marinate overnight or for at least 8 hours.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high head and add in the chicken, making sure to cook until browned on both sides. When done, set aside in a bowl.

3. In the same pan, add butter, and fry the onions until they start to sweat and become translucent.

4. Add in the garlic, ginger, and saute for another minute. Then add in the coriander, cumin and garam masala. Make sure to stir well.

5. Add the crushed tomatoes, chili powder and salt. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Cook until the sauce becomes a deep brown red color.

6. Remove from the heat, and place into the blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You may need to add a couple tablespoons of water to help if the sauce mixture is too thick.

7. Add the sauce back into the pan, stir in the cream, sugar, and fenugreek. Add the chicken back into the pan and cook for an addition 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is thick, and bubbling.

8. Garnish with cilantro, and eat along with rice and naan. Enjoy!