Butter Chicken

This is a very special, flavor filled , creamy chicken dish which goes well with any bread variety or Rice variety. It is the most in demand item of any non veg restaurant. This is also , as the name implies , a high calorie dish. In each step of its making together with the flavor we are also adding equivalent amount of calories. There is little substitutes for a low calorie one. I had been thinking of making this for quite some time and have been referring to various recipes also for the same. For this dish I combined three recipes which I found in different blogs , taking low calorie tips from each ,as much as I could. But with the name Butter Chicken I could not substitute butter though. 

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Chicken - 10 pieces (Boneless pieces preferred, cut into small bite sized pieces)
• Onion- 1 medium sized , chopped fine
• Ginger-Garlic paste- 2 tablespoons
• Tomatoes- 2 medium -chopped fine
• Turmeric powder- 1/2 tablespoon
• Red chilly powder- 1 tablespoon
• Coriander powder- 2 tablespoons
• Tandoori powder- (Red Color)- a pinch
• Salt as needed
• Cumin seeds- 1 tablespoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 tablespoon
• Cream - 1 cup
• Evaporated milk (Can be used as substitute)- Optional

How to Prepare: 

Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, 1/4 tablespoon turmeric powder, 1/2tablespoon red chilly powder and 1 tablespoon coriander powder for 30 minutes. 

Step 2: Saute the chicken pieces in 4 tablespoons oil till it is half cooked.Transfer it to paper towels and drain the excess oil . 

Step 3: In the same oil add cumin seeds and onions. When it browns add the ginger garlic paste and saute till done. Add the tomatoes and saute till done. Add all the masala powders and mix well. Cook well. Allow to cool and grind to smooth paste. 

Step 4: Heat butter in a flat pan and add the masala paste . Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Add little water and cook well. 

Step 5: When the pieces are cooked and the gravy is three forth done add the cream and bring to gentle boil. Add a pinch of red color if you want to get the restaurant finish. Also sprinkle some garam masala and mix well.Garnish with coriander leaves and switch off flame. 

Step 6: Serve hot with basmati rice varieties or with bread varieties.