This is a traditional Indian dish that is a favourite at restaurants. Cooking it at home can be very rewarding and an exotic gift to your guests. Butter Chicken like stews need time, but the longer they cook, the more flavourful they are, so make ahead and leave it to simmer. Serve it with Basmati Rice and Naan to soak up all the sauce.
Directions for: Trish Magwood's Butter Chicken
Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) yogurt, balkan style
cup (60 mL) lemon juice
2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin
2 tsp (10 mL) ground coriander
2 tsp (10 mL) cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 tsp (5 mL) garam masala
tsp (2 mL) ground turmeric
2 Tbsp (10 mL) minced fresh garlic
1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger
2 tsp (10 mL) kosher salt
3 lb(s) (1.5 kg) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Fresh lime wedges
3 Tbsp (50mL) butter or ghee
1 cup (250 mL) cashews, ground to a paste
1 medium onion, minced
2 tsp (10 mL) cumin seeds, whole
1 serrano chili, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
cup (125 mL) fresh tomato pure
cup (125 mL) heavy (35%) cream
cup (50 mL) fresh coriander, chopped roughly
Directions
1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne, garam masala, turmeric, garlic, ginger and salt (to taste) in a medium bowl. In a re-sealable bag, add chicken and cover with yogurt marinade. Seal bag and toss to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat grill or oven to 400 degrees (200 Celsius). Cook until juices run clear, about 20-25 minutes. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Set aside.
3. In a high-sided saut pan, heat butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic, cumin seeds and minced chili and cook until fragrant. Add tomato pure and cashew paste. Season with salt, stir and lower heat to a simmer. Add cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Chop grilled chicken into bite-sized chunks and add to sauce. Stir to coat chicken with sauce and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully warmed. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
See more: Poultry, Party Favourites, Indian, Main, Chicken, Hot and Spicy, Dinner, Bake, Saute