CHICKEN MAKHANI (INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN)

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken) image

Provided by Grace Lynn

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup tomato puree
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
Saute shallot and onion until soft and translucent.
Stir in butter, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin and bay leaf.
Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in half-and-half and yogurt.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Season with salt, pepper and cayenne.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillt over medium heat.
Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Reduce heat and season with 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne.
Stir in about 1/3 of the sauce and simmer until liquid has reduced and chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Pour the rest of the sauce into the chicken.
Mix together cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce.
Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.