BUTTER CHICKEN-my version

butter chicken-my version

When ever one thinks of Indian cuisine ,the one dish that tops the list is BUTTER CHICKEN, don't we all just love it! I remember as kids whenever we had to go out for dinner we would invariably end up ordering butter chicken and nans over any other favorites like chinese or south indian .In North India this one dish simply rules!. The tender smokey flavor of the chicken combined with the rich , delicate and tomatoey gravy make this an irresistible treat.Wish i could get some right now!

Ingredients for the chicken-(serves 6)

• Chicken-1 kg
• Thick curd-1 cup
• garlic paste-1 tbsp.
• a pinch of red food colour
• salt according to taste

Method:-

Combine all the above ingredients together and allow to marinate for atleast 2 hrs so that the flavors permeate the chicken. Roast or grill the chicken pieces till done or till juices run clear when pierced. I use my gas tandoor /or sometimes the grill for this purpose.Let little bits and pieces of the chicken burn a little -that imparts the smokey flavor.

Ingredients for the gravy-

• Onions- 2 medium sized
• Tomatoes- 5 large
• Garlic paste -1 tsp
• Desi ghee- 2 tbsp
• Cream/butter- for garnishing 1 tbsp each
• Bay leaves- 2
• Cloves- 4
• Cardamom(green)- 2 powdered
• Garam masala- 1 tbsp
• sugar- 1/2 tsp
• cumin-1/tsp
• pinch of red food colour
• green chillies-2 slit and deseeded

Method-

Combine chopped tomatoes and onions ,add garlic and all the spices except cumin and boil in pressure cooker ,about 5 whistles .Cool and puree in a blender.Heat desi ghee add cumin , let crackle next add the onion-tomato puree and the food colour and cook for 15-20 mins. add salt to taste, garam masala , green chilli and the chicken ,let the flavors infuse , continue cooking for another 10 mins. garnish with cream/butter before serving,can also add chopped coriander. Serve hot with nans.