Sunday, December 5, 2010

Healthier Butter Chicken


I have a fun recipe for you today. I'm doing a recipe from the book, "An Epiphany of the Senses"; by Nancy - aka Spicie Foodie.  I've been wanting to branch out more and try some Indian and other spicy dishes.  I've eaten Indian food, but never tried any at home.  After reading the book, this dish Healthier Butter Chicken seemed like a perfect way to get my toes wet with some Indian cooking.  Nancy says it is a good intro dish; I think it was.  You can order yourself a copy of her book on her site, maybe an early Christmas present.

I was afraid I'd have a hard time finding the spices, a couple of stores later;  I did find everything. It sounded kind of complicated after reading all the steps.  But it really didn't take me that long, and I think it's one of those dishes you could whip up like that after making it once or twice.

Garam Masala (Indian Spice Blend)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. coriander seeds
4 tbsp. cumin seed
1 tbsp. black peppercorns
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1 tsp. whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
2 tsp. green cardamom seed (measured after removing and discarding the shell)
2 bay leaves

Step 1:
The first step is to dry roast the spices to help them release their scents.  Heat the pan over medium low heat, then add all of the whole spices and dry roast for a couple of minutes.  Stir often to prevent burning.  Roast just until the spices start to release their fragrance, be careful not to burn them.

Step 2:
Transfer the spices from the pan to a plate and spread out.  Allow to cool for a few minutes.  Add all of your spices to your spice grinder or mortar and grind until you have a fine powder.

I couldn't believe how good my house smelled after making the spices.


Marinade:
3 large boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 medium lemon, juiced
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 tsp. Garam Masala
1/3 cup plain unsweetened white yogurt

Step 1:
Combine all of the spices and the lemon juice in a large bowl, then add the chicken pieces and stir until well combined and the chicken is well coated with the spice mixture, leave in the refrigerator 10 minutes.  Add the yogurt to the chicken and stir until all are well combined.  Cover and place back in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2:
Right before cooking remove the chicken from the yogurt and set aside and discard the yogurt.

Sauce:
2-3 tbsp. butter or ghee
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1-2 tsp. Garam Masala
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
10 almonds, finely ground, optional to thicken sauce
1 cup plain white yogurt
1/2 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup water
 2 tsp. crushed dried fenugreek leaves

Step 1:
Melt butter in a large pan, once melted add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger to the pan and saute for 3 minutes, then add the turmeric, Garam Masala, cinnamon and saute for another 3 minutes or until the spices begin releasing their scent. Add the drained chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is firm and cooked through.  Next add the tomato puree, water and ground almonds, stir until well combined.  Turn the heat down cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

Step 2:
Add the fenugreek leaves and yogurt to the pan and heat through, about 5-8 minutes.

Serve with Basmati rice and naan.


Nancy's photos in the book are so good, the directions are easy to follow and I can't wait to make something else from it.  It's definitely worth going over to her site and checking it out for yourself.  

Enjoy,

Gina

32 comments:

  1. This butter chicken recipes looks delicious. Got me in the mood for indian!.. Love the tablecloth btw!.. Luna.

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  2. I haven't had much Indian food, but your step by step instructions, make it seem doable and it looks so good. I'm saving this one for after the holidays. I don't even have my house decorated yet.

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  3. I love Indian food! I'm copying it and I'm making it for sure! Beautiful!

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  4. Thanks Luna, isn't it pretty, I love colorful things.
    Becky, don't feel bad, I've been slacking too! I finally got the bins down last night.
    I think you will love it Tracy!

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  5. Looks so fabulous! I'm hungry now! I love Indian food and especially this time of year! It really warms me up! Your roti or naan looks particularly fabulous too!

    -V

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  6. Gina, I can't believe you also made the Garam Masala from scratch! It looks fantastic! Wow you are such a busy person and still put all that effort into it, you're amazing! Thanks for sharing my recipe and mentioning my book,very sweet of you:) It looks really delicious, but I feel weird saying that cause I don't want it to sound arrogant :)

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  7. Gina
    you are truly amazing! What a great job you did with Nancy's recipe! and making your own garam masala....wow....
    I have to admit I don't know much about Indian food, I am lucky our wegmans has a whole Indian section...I need to check it out
    Thanks for a great post!
    Dennis

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  8. Aloha Gina!! What a wonderful recipe!! And timely for me as my dad just brought me a bucket filled with lemons and limes. I always have a hard time finding things that the whole family will eat, but I have a feeling this one would do the trick. Nice post!

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  9. this sounds so good right now..thanks for sharing this.:)

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  10. We love butter Chicken here and despite having lived in India I do not know how to make it! Thanks for the great post!

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  11. Wow Gina! Looks sensational! It really does!

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  12. I'm also impressed with your original garam masala. Your house must have smelled heavenly while it was being made.

    I think this meal is one that we'll be giving a try some day. Thanks for passing it along.

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  13. Mom Chef, this is Nancy's recipe from her book. It did smell heavenly, hope you give it a try!

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  14. Gina this looks amazing! Nancy' recipe sounds delish! I love Indian dishes. Nice job mama!

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  15. I recently made this too, it does make the house smell great.

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  16. Yum! I love butter chicken, but like you, have never made much Indian food at home. This definitely looks like a great recipe to get your feet wet with. The flavors are just so delicious!

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  17. Gina, that's exactly what I need for the lunch! Simply mouthwatering.

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  18. Hi Gina-This looks amazing! I have to get her book. I can just smell all the spices. I bet it tasted incredible. I hope you are having a wonderful week :)

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  19. This looks so good, I have Nancy's book and this is one of the many great recipes I want to try, I think you've inspired me to put it at the top of the list!

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  20. Sounds amazing. I love garam masala and the sauce looks so tasty! yum

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  21. Hi Gina...amazing. This looks so delicious, and I can only imagine how fantastic your house must have smelled while preparing this. I'm going to bookmark this recipe and hopefully try to prepare it over the weekend. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you have a festive Tuesday!

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  22. first time here delicious combination

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  23. I looooooove Butter Chicken! The idea of having a healthier version is even better!!! I am definitely purchasing Nancy's book, can not wait to see what else there is to try!! I know you did it perfectly!!!! Thanks for sharing, Gina.

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  24. I'm not too familiar with Indian foods either, but I love that this is an intro recipe and that it's healthier :) Since I've been baking more, I always make the effort to find healthier main courses. Thanks for the new one!

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  25. You are amazing. I do love butter chicken, but never order it because of the fat content. Your recipe will help me make it at home in a healthier fashion; thanks.
    Rita

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  26. I love Indian food and am sure I would completely adore this chicken. I love that it's a bit healthier.

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  27. Gina-What a great job you did with this awesome recipe. I love Indian inspired spices, and food. Such a wonderful chicken recipe!

    BTW-I tagged you, so please stop by my blog, to check it out!

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  28. I love Indian food but I'm still waiting for my Spicie Foodie cookbook! Awesome job, Gina- I'm all in for a "healthier" version of Butter Chicken :)

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  29. Gina that looks wonderful...and you toasted your own spices too :)
    I am sure you have done Nancy proud :)

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  30. okay.. so I've been putting off trying Indian at home because its just so gosh darn good at the restaurant! You've inspired me to try it though.. I know Nancy was thrilled you tried her dish too :)

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  31. I also love Indian - and the aroma of the spices while it cooks. This looks so smoothly scrumptious. Definitely bookmarked. You made your own garam masala????? How wonderful!

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  32. I saw this on Nancy's blog the other day. You're so sweet and you def' present her recipe really well. Nicely done Gina!

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