Introduction
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from India. This classic and well-loved recipe has been enjoyed for centuries, and it continues to be a staple in Indian cuisine around the world. In this article, we will explore and dissect the various aspects of making butter chicken. From its rich cultural history to the best ingredients and regional variations, this tutorial-style guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create this beloved dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Tutorial-style guide
Making butter chicken may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to Indian cooking. But don’t worry! With the right recipe and tools, it’s actually quite simple. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, and cook for another minute.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream and stir until well combined.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add the chicken to the sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with rice and naan bread.
Butter chicken is a forgiving recipe, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments and substitutions as needed. For example, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor, or you can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free option. Finally, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try incorporating vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to add some color and nutrition.
For novice cooks, it’s important to remember to keep your spices nearby and your cutting board clean throughout the process. This will help keep your kitchen organized and your dish flavorful!
History and origin
Butter chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine and has a rich cultural history. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the kitchens of the Moti Mahal hotel in Old Delhi. According to legend, the dish was created accidentally by a chef who combined leftover tandoori chicken with a creamy tomato sauce, resulting in the now famous dish of butter chicken.
The preparation method of butter chicken differs from other Indian chicken dishes, such as Indian curry or chicken tikka masala, in that it involves marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice before grilling or baking the chicken. The cooked chicken is then simmered in a rich creamy tomato sauce with spices such as cumin, ginger, garlic, and fenugreek leaves. Finally, the dish is finished with a generous amount of butter, cream, or yogurt for extra richness.
Butter chicken has many traditional variations, with each region boasting its own signature recipe. For example, in Punjab, the dish is served with an abundance of ginger, while in Goa, it is made with coconut milk and curry leaves. These variations showcase the endless possibilities of butter chicken while still maintaining its classic flavor.
Health-focused
While butter chicken is undeniably delicious, it can also be high in fat and calories. However, there are many ways to make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips for making or modifying butter chicken to increase its nutritional value:
1. Use skinless chicken breast or thighs instead of chicken with skin to lower the fat content of the dish.
2. Substitute heavy cream for low-fat milk or thickened Greek yogurt for a healthier cream base.
3. Add extra vegetables such as capsicum, carrot, peas or zucchini, to increase the fiber content of the dish.
4. Use ghee instead of butter, as it contains healthy fats and has a nuttier flavor.
5. Finally, it is important to watch your portion sizes – stick to a single serving and pair your dish with a healthy side, such roasted vegetables or flavorful salads.
By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of butter chicken without feeling guilty about the calories.
Ingredient focus
When it comes to making butter chicken, the quality of the ingredients can make a huge difference in the final outcome of the dish. Here are some essential ingredients that you’ll need, along with tips on selecting the best ones:
1. Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder are the key spices used in butter chicken. It is best to purchase whole spices and grind them yourself for maximum flavor. Look for fresh, vibrant-colored spices in your local Indian grocery store or online.
2. Tomato sauce: Use high quality canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes in the preparation. Avoid lower quality tomato products or ketchup as they may change the richness of the dish.
3. Cream or Greek yogurt: Choose full-fat cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess to the dish. It is beneficial to add the dairy individual tablespoon at a time, and check for consistency as each cream product hands different thickness, so adjust the amount of water so that the consistency stays correct.
4. Chicken: Use boneless and skinless chicken breast or thigh pieces. Go for organic and free-range varieties, where possible, for the best taste.
5. Ghee or butter: High quality butter, unsalted is the best factor to get the sweet caramelized taste of butter chicken. Organic, grass fed variants, and ghee are both excellent options for true flavor and health benefits.
Regional variations
Butter chicken has regional variations galore in India, each one different as well as delicious. Here are some notable variations that you can try:
1. Jalandhari Murgh Makhani: Hailing from the Punjab region, this recipe is spicier than others, with an added kick of chili powder
2. Butter Paneer: as ‘Paneer’ is the quintessential ingredient of Indian Cuisine. This variation substitutes chicken with Paneer i.e. Cottage Cheese – diced and marinated in the same spices. It’s a popular vegetarian version of the dish.
3. Murgh Makhani with Mixed Vegetables: In this variation, the cheese is replaced with mixed vegetables such as capsicums, zucchini, carrot and peas, ensuring a dish that is colorful, flavourful and healthy all at once.
By taking inspiration from these variations, you can ultimately create your own version. Butter chicken has many different variations- feel free to make it your own!
Pairing suggestion
When it comes to pairing butter chicken with wine or beer, it’s best to stick with options that complement its rich, aromatic flavors instead of competing with them. Here are some suggestions:
1. Beer: Indian Pale Ale, pilsner or amber lager beer pair well with yogurt-based dishes as butter chicken contains a significant amount of yogurt/cream.
2. Red Wine: Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir complement the dish’s rich creamy sauce and strong spice flavors well, making it one of Indian cuisine’s best wine pairings.
3. White Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer work well with butter chicken as its acidity helps neutralize the dish’s creaminess, and its sweetness is perfectly balanced with the dish’s spice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, butter chicken is one of the tastiest dishes from Indian cuisine and its cultural heritage has a lot to offer. Understanding its different variations, ingredient choice, and health-centric aspects, makes cooking butter chicken a relatively straightforward and fascinating process. It’s delectable to an extent that it’s hard to find anyone who’s not a fan after trying it just once. With proper care and attention given to the ingredients, anyone can create this beloved dish in their own home.
