18 Indian Healthy Recipes Murgh Makhani Recipe Butter Chicken You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that has gained international recognition for its rich and flavorful taste. This dish is a favorite among both meat lovers and vegetarians, as it can be made with chicken or substituted with paneer for a vegetarian version. The creamy tomato-based sauce, combined with aromatic spices, creates a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this dish and share a delicious murgh makhani recipe for you to try at home.
Butter chicken has its roots in the Mughlai cuisine of Northern India, with its origins dating back to the 16th century. Legend has it that the dish was created by the chef of a Mughal ruler who accidentally overcooked a tandoori chicken and improvised with a creamy tomato sauce to salvage the dish. This happy accident resulted in butter chicken, which has now become an iconic dish in Indian cuisine.
The Perfect Blend of Spices
One of the key elements that sets murgh makhani apart from other chicken dishes is its unique blend of spices. The marinade for the chicken includes a combination of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder, giving it a bold and complex flavor. The creamy sauce is made with a generous amount of butter and cream, creating a rich and indulgent taste.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic Dish
While butter chicken may not be the first dish that comes to mind when thinking of healthy meals, it can be made with a healthier twist. Instead of using heavy cream, you can substitute with coconut milk or greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. You can also add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas, to increase its nutritional value. This makes it a perfect dish for those looking to indulge in a delicious meal without compromising on their health.
Try Our Murgh Makhani Recipe
Now that you know the history and key elements of butter chicken, it's time to try it out for yourself with our easy and delicious recipe. This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
1lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, paprika, garlic paste, and ginger paste. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Enjoy Your Homemade Butter Chicken
With this delicious murgh makhani recipe, you can now enjoy the authentic taste of butter chicken in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned lover of this dish, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. So why not give it a try and experience the unique flavors of murgh makhani for yourself?
