Butter chicken may have sparked debates over its true birthplace, but there’s no denying that Delhi has become the ultimate destination for this rich and indulgent classic. Iconic eateries like Moti Mahal, Gulati and Havemore have turned it into a culinary legend, celebrated by food lovers across the globe.
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, who recently visited Delhi to promote his upcoming film Haq alongside Yami Gautam, confessed during an interactive fan event that butter chicken is the dish he would happily cheat on his fitness routine for. With velvety tomato gravy, tender chicken and a buttery finish, it’s easy to understand why.
For anyone craving the same flavorful experience at home, here is a delicious butter chicken recipe inspired by culinary maestro Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken: Boneless pieces 400g lemon juice 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder 1 tsp salt to taste butter 2 tbsp
For the marinade
Hung curd 1/2 cup ginger paste 2 tsp garlic paste 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder 1/2 tsp garam masala 1/2 tsp salt to taste mustard oil 2 tsp
For the makhni gravy
Butter 2 tbsp green cardamom 2 cloves 2 peppercorns 2 to 3 cinnamon 1 inch ginger paste 1 tsp garlic paste 1 tsp tomato puree 1/2 cup red chilli powder 1/2 tsp salt to taste sugar or honey 2 tbsp kasoori methi 1/2 tsp fresh cream 1/2 cup
Method
Coat the chicken with lemon juice red chilli powder and salt then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Combine ingredients for the marinade coat the chicken again and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 200°C place marinated chicken pieces on skewers and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Brush with butter and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
To prepare the gravy heat butter in a pan and add whole spices. After two minutes add ginger and garlic paste and cook briefly before stirring in tomato puree chilli powder salt and water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add sugar or honey and kasoori methi then mix in the cooked chicken. Cook for five more minutes and finish with fresh cream.
Serve hot with naan to complete the perfect indulgent meal.
So if butter chicken can tempt Emraan Hashmi into a cheat day it may do the same to you.
