How to Make Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Origin and History:

Butter Chicken is an Indian dish that originated in the Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. The dish was invented by Kundan Lal Gujral, who owned the restaurant. Gujral was inspired by a Punjabi dish called tandoori chicken. He decided to repurpose the leftovers by marinating them in a tomato-based cream sauce. This resulted in the creation of Butter Chicken, which soon became a popular Indian dish around the world.

According to some sources, Gujral's creation was inspired by the ancient Indian practice of slow-cooking meat in clay ovens known as tandoors. Tandoori chicken is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices before cooking it in a tandoor. Gujral is said to have adapted this technique to create Butter Chicken by marinating and cooking boneless chicken pieces in a tomato-based, cream sauce.

Butter Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon garlic paste

- 1 tablespoon ginger paste

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 can pureed tomatoes (14 ounces)

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the ghee or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet.

2. Add the chopped onions and saute until they turn translucent.

3. Add the garlic paste and ginger paste and saute for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions turn golden brown.

4. Add the chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, and cook for a minute or two, stirring continuously.

5. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the sauce thickens and the oil separates from the mixture.

6. Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, until the chicken is cooked through.

7. Add the cream and salt to taste and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is well blended.

8. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti.

Variations:

- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu, paneer, or mixed vegetables. 

- Gluten-Free: Substitute the naan bread or roti with gluten-free bread or rice.

- Healthier: Lower the calorie count by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Healthy Benefits:

Butter Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the cream, and vitamins and minerals from the spices and tomatoes. The spices used in Butter Chicken, such as turmeric and coriander, have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties and have been linked to a reduction in the risk of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease. This dish is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet as it contains no added sugars and is high in fiber.

Fun Facts:

- Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world.

- Butter Chicken contains butter, but not in the way that its name suggests. The dish is called Butter Chicken because it is cooked in a buttery tomato sauce, not because of the addition of butter.

- The recipe for Butter Chicken has changed over the years, with various adaptations and modifications being made to suit different tastes and preferences around the world.

Conclusion:

Butter Chicken is a delicious Indian delicacy that is creamy, tangy, and savory all at once. Its rich history and exquisite taste have made it one of the most popular Indian dishes globally. With its high nutrient content and flavorful spices, Butter Chicken is highly recommended for those looking for a healthy and satiating meal. Try this recipe for yourself and savor the magical flavors of Butter Chicken!