An absolutely wonderful friend of mine sent me a large package of garam masala earlier this year. I even had the pleasure of rooming with her this past weekend for a charity fundraising event in Minneapolis.
OK, it was a big party with lots of shenanigans, laughing, and tears of joy. But a fundraising event nonetheless where the proceeds of the event go to the MODs Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting wildlife conservation, education and art. Oh, so where was I? Yes, the garam masala. This is a food blog, right?
I actually made this back in July when we had a short spurt of unseasonably cold weather, just before it zoomed right up into the triple digits. It didn’t feel right posting about it while everyone was sweating buckets and craving cool salads.
Now that fall has arrived, it’s time to introduce you to one of the many dishes to come using garam masala, a wonderfully complex spice used commonly in North Indian and South Asian food. It’s a perfect dish for a cool fall night.
Indian Butter Chicken
Adapted from Indian Butter Chicken at foodiecrush
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup diced onion
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
2 cups Half and Half or cream
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
Lime wedges and cilantro, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
Cut the chicken into one-inch chunks and season with salt and ground black pepper, to taste. In a very large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
Add the garam masala, ginger, and chili powder and cook for several more minutes, stirring often.
Whisk in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and bay leaves and cook for a few more minutes. Add the half and half or cream, stirring until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer on low for about 5 more minutes.
Meanwhile, add the remaining oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to another large skillet and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. (Somehow I missed a photo of that step.)
Transfer the chicken to the creamy tomato sauce and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the peas and remaining butter to the sauce and continue cooking until the butter has melted.
Oh my gosh, just look at that beautiful BUTTAH!
Serve over cooked rice and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro leaves.
Haha!! Head somewhere else?? It is understandable! I love butter chicken and can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks, KR….
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LOL Bonita, exactly! It was so great meeting you last weekend! I hope you have a chance to try this, too.
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This is excellent, Kathryn. The colour in the plated shot is lovely.
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Thank you so much Conor. I am humbled with that coming from such a stellar photographer. xo
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Kathryn this is beautiful. With your pictures and description I can almost taste it. There’s an Indian restaurant near my office. Before my ulcers took control of my life I ate there once in a while, they had a lovely butter chicken — but i never knew what was in it. So you’ve educated me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself at the charity event. Mega hugs!
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Thank you so much Teagan for your kind words. So sorry about the ulcers!
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You’re kind. I used to dream of Alexander Scarsgard… now i dream of peppers. 😉 😀
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Lovely recipe Kat!!
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I love Masala chicken but honestly I usually use a ready made sauce in a jar. Now I will use this recipe! Thank you!
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Thank you Michelle, I am sure you will find homemade much tastier!
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I love making curries at home and this butter chicken sounds so good!
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Thank you so much! This was a new one for me but it was a great flavor for us!
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I made this not too long ago – it’s fast becoming a favorite. Great pictures too.
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Thank you Tim! I’m looking forward to making it again now that the weather has turned cooler.
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I never made Masala Chicken, yours looks delicious and easy to make. I will make it soon.
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Thank you Gerlinde, it is very tasty if you can get your hands on the spice mix. We didn’t have it hear in Central Oregon but my great friend sent me some so I could try this out!
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Hi Kathryn, looks great. I don’t know much about Indian cooking, but I thought they use ghee instead of regular butter?
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Hello Stefan, thank you for your comment. It may very well be that ghee is used traditionally in Indian cooking, but ghee is not readily available where I live.
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It is very easy to make from butter… 😉
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looks lush – how very delish.
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Why thank you so much! I do appreciate your kind comment.
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Indian Butter Chicken is one of the best dishes I’ve EVER made! This version looks SO good. They have ghee at Trader Joe’s here! (Not to mention the Indian groceries… but they are over 1/2 hour away from me.) Guess I’m lucky! 🙂
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Thank you so much Josette. I had no clue ghee was sold at Trader Joe’s! I have one about a mile or so from my house, wow.
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Trader Joe’s is the best. 🙂
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Looks delicious 🙂
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Thank you Rebecca!
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