No-Butter Butter Chicken

Indian cuisine’s richness lies not just in its flavors but also in its cultural and regional diversity. Each state and community in India contributes its own unique dishes, creating a culinary landscape that is both vast and fascinating.
Butter chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is not originally from South Africa. It is a popular Indian dish that has its roots in North Indian cuisine. The dish is believed to have been created in the 1950s in Delhi, India.
Follow our No-Butter Butter Chicken recipe to experience the flavours of India in your own kitchen:
INGREDIENTS
BUTTER CHICKEN SPICE MIX
½ t ground cinnamon
2 t smoked paprika
3 t garam masala
2 t ground coriander
1 t ground cardamom
2 t cumin
1 t ground ginger
2 t ground turmeric
½ t cayenne pepper
BUTTER CHICKEN
8 chicken thighs, skinless
100 ml olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 thumb ginger
410 g tin coconut milk
200 g tomato purée
1 t lemongrass salt
freshly ground black pepper
fresh coriander, for garnishing
METHOD
- Coat the chicken thighs in the spice mix to incorporate the flavour.
- Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan, cook the chicken on a medium-high heat to colour.
- Crush the garlic and ginger then add to the chicken. Follow by adding coconut milk and tomato purée. Mix well to coat the chicken, add the lemongrass salt and season with black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot and garnished with coriander, with spiced rice and lentils, and naan bread.
SERVES 4
We hope that you enjoy the No-butter butter chicken. We are looking forward to our tour India. Have a look at India Tour itinerary and join The Adventurous Ewe on this unforgettable tour.
Source: Recipe and picture – Jenny Handley www.gourmetguide.co.za