Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique spices. One of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine is butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani. This dish originates from Punjab, a region in northern India and Pakistan. It is a creamy and flavorful curry made with tender chicken pieces that are marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Butter chicken is a relatively modern dish, created by a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral in the 1950s. Gujral owned a restaurant in Delhi called Moti Mahal, which was frequented by many famous people, including the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Gujral created butter chicken as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken, which he would shred and then cook in a tomato-based sauce with cream and butter.
The dish quickly became popular and is now one of the most well-known Indian dishes around the world. It is typically served with naan or basmati rice, and its creamy and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Butter chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. This North Indian dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a popular choice for both special occasions and everyday meals.
The history of butter chicken is steeped in legend and lore. It is said that the dish was created in the early 1900s in Delhi by a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral. Gujral is said to have accidentally mixed leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based gravy and added butter and cream to the dish to make it more palatable. The result was a rich, flavorful dish that was an instant hit with diners.
Butter chicken is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then cooking it in a tandoor or grill until it is charred and slightly crispy on the outside. The chicken is then added to a tomato-based sauce that has been flavored with spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The sauce is finished with a generous amount of butter and cream, which gives it its signature rich and creamy texture.
While butter chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish on its own, it can be served with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Naan bread is a popular choice, as it can be used to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce. Basmati rice is another great accompaniment, as it pairs well with the fragrant spices used in the dish. A side salad or vegetable dish can also help to balance out the richness of the butter chicken.
If you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your next meal, give butter chicken a try. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, it is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
