BUTTER CHICKEN WITH CREAM

BUTTER CHICKEN WITH CREAM

This is a very popular dish with those who love chicken dishes. This is a rich recipe since it has cream added to it. You may also substitute coconut cream for fresh cream if you wish. It turns out very delicious either way

INGREDIENTS FOR PREPARING CHICKEN

1) 2 Whole Chicken Breasts - Cut into bite sized chunks

2) Salt - about 1 tsp

3) Juice of 1 Juicy Lime

4) 125 gms Yoghurt (or 1 small bowl)

5) Ginger & Garlic Paste - 2 Tbsps

6) Chilli Powder - 1 tsp

7) Turmeric Powder - Half a tsp

8) Coriander seeds (1 Tbsp), Cumin Seeds (1 Tbsp), Cinnamon Sticks (3 one inch sticks), Star Anise (1 pc), Cloves ( 6 pcs) - Grind to a powder.  Alternatively, you may use ready made TIKKA MASALA of any reputable brand

9) 3 Tbsps cooking oil

METHOD

Sprinkle salt and add lemon juice to chicken pieces.  Take the yoghurt in a bowl, add ginger and garlic paste, and all the powdered spices and mix well. Tip in the chicken, stir to coat well and set aside for about 10 minutes.

In a frying pan, add the oil and tip in the chicken along with the marinade.  Stir fry on high heat initially and reduce heat to medium. Keep stirring on and off until all moisture has evaporated. Take pan off the heat and set aside.

INGREDIENTS FOR BUTTER SAUCE

1) 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

2) 1 Tbsp Ginger and Garlic Paste

3) 1 Tbsp Chilli Powder (Reduce quantity if you don't want it too spicy)

4) Half a teaspoon of the Tikka Masala mentioned above

5) Half a bowl of Tomato Puree (Fresh or Tinned)

6) Half a Bowl of Fresh Cream (or 5 Tbsp)

6) Salt to Taste

METHOD

Take a shallow pan and add the butter. Melt slightly and add the ginger and garlic paste. Stir fry for about a minute and add the powdered spices and immediately add the tomato puree. Add salt.  Cook on low heat, stirring on and off until you see the paste has reduced and the butter floats atop.

Tip in the fresh cream and stir well until it is well blended with the tomato gravy. Do not cook for longer than a minute at this stage. Tip in the chicken you set aside earlier and toss well with a spatula. Check your seasoning and adjust as required. For a more spicier taste, add some chopped green chillies at this point. Take off the heat immediately.

Serve hot with Roti, Naan, or Zeera Rice (Rice with Cumin Flavour)