Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is loved for its rich and flavorful taste. It’s a classic example of the culinary artistry that Indian cuisine has to offer. This creamy and aromatic dish is traditionally made by marinating chicken overnight in a combination of yogurt and spices, then simmering it in a luscious tomato-based gravy. The result is a dish that is incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Flavorful and Aromatic

The flavor profile of butter chicken is truly exceptional. The combination of spices such as garam masala, fenugreek leaves, and ginger-garlic paste creates a depth of flavor that is both complex and well-balanced. The addition of cream and butter adds richness and a silky texture to the dish. The aromatic blend of spices infuses the chicken with a tantalizing fragrance that will make your mouth water.

Key Ingredients

Chicken: The star of this dish is the tender and succulent chicken pieces. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken, whichever you prefer.

Yogurt: Yogurt is used to marinate the chicken, making it incredibly tender and imparting a mild tangy flavor.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are simmered to create a rich and velvety tomato gravy for the butter chicken.

Spices: A combination of spices such as garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cumin powder adds layers of flavor to the dish.

Cream and Butter: To achieve the signature creamy texture, some cream and butter are added to the gravy. This adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel.

Benefits within a Keto Diet

Following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on flavorful dishes like butter chicken. In fact, this dish can be a great addition to your keto meal plan. Here’s why:

1. High in Healthy Fats: Butter chicken contains ingredients such as cream and butter, which are excellent sources of healthy fats. These fats provide satiety and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
2. Protein-packed: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. It also helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods.
3. Low in Carbohydrates: The tomato-based gravy used in butter chicken is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for those following a keto diet.
4. No Added Sugar: When preparing butter chicken at home, you have control over the ingredients used. By avoiding added sugar or sweeteners, you can enjoy a keto-friendly version of this beloved dish.

Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture and marinate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns golden brown.
4. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. Using a hand blender or food processor, blend the tomato-chicken mixture until smooth.
6. Return the mixture to the pan and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in heavy cream and dried fenugreek leaves. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Butter chicken is a dish that truly captivates the senses. The blend of spices, creamy texture, and aromatic flavors make it a delight to eat. Now, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish while staying on track with your keto diet. So go ahead and indulge in the goodness of butter chicken without worrying about breaking your diet plan!