James Martins Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Culinary Delight

From the bustling streets of India to the comfort of your own kitchen, James Martin's creamy Butter Chicken recipe promises to bring an authentic taste of South Asian cuisine with a British twist. Celebrated for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken, this dish is a harmonious blend of spices, flavors, and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Let's dive into the culinary journey of preparing this delightful dish.

Origins of Butter Chicken

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Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, has a storied past that traces back to the kitchens of Delhi, India. 🌍 Allegedly created by Kundan Lal Gujral at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, this dish was born out of necessity to salvage leftover Tandoori Chicken, transforming it into something entirely new. Today, it's a beloved dish that has transcended borders, finding a home in many global cuisines, including British interpretations like that of James Martin.

The Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to replicate James Martin's take on this classic:

• For the Chicken:

  • 800g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 200g Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste

• For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 500ml tomato passata
  • 200ml double cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste

• Garnish:

  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • A splash of cream
  • Butter

Preparation Steps

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Marinating the Chicken

1. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. 🍗 Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Cooking the Chicken

2. Grill or Pan Fry: Either grill the chicken for that smoky tandoori flavor or pan-fry it until it's golden brown. Keep the marinade for later use.

Making the Sauce

3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they are golden and fragrant.

4. Add Spices: Stir in the tomato puree, tomato passata, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and sugar. Let it cook down to thicken slightly.

5. Incorporate Cream: Gradually add the double cream, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. 🍲 Adjust the sauce's consistency with water or more cream if needed.

6. Add Chicken: Mix in the grilled or pan-fried chicken along with any remaining marinade into the sauce.

Finishing Touches

7. Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

8. Finish with Spices and Garnish: Add kasoori methi, garam masala, and adjust seasoning with salt. Garnish with fresh coriander, a drizzle of cream, and a knob of butter just before serving.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: For an authentic touch, consider using a charcoal smoking technique to infuse the dish with a smoky flavor. Heat a piece of charcoal, place it in a small bowl in the center of the pan, and pour a little ghee or butter over it. Cover the pan quickly to trap the smoke for a few minutes.</p>

Serving Suggestions

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• Serve Butter Chicken with basmati rice or naan for the traditional experience. The buttery, creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the slightly chewy texture of naan or the fluffy grains of rice.
• Accompany the dish with raita, a cucumber and yogurt side, to balance the richness with some coolness.

Why Choose James Martin's Recipe?

James Martin's Butter Chicken recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Creaminess: The double cream and yogurt ensure a luxurious texture, which is signature to his version of the dish.
• Simplicity: Despite its rich taste, the preparation steps are straightforward, making it accessible to home cooks.
• British Adaptation: By incorporating elements like passata and double cream, Martin gives this classic Indian dish a British twist that feels both familiar and exotic.

James Martin, a celebrated British chef, known for his passion for fresh ingredients and bold flavors, has adapted this Indian classic to fit both British palates and convenience, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exciting.

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make Butter Chicken with chicken breasts?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they might be slightly drier. Consider adding more moisture through the marinade or a longer cooking time to retain tenderness.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I make this dish vegan?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Replace chicken with tofu or paneer and substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version of Butter Chicken.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I substitute for kasoori methi if I can't find it?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If kasoori methi is unavailable, you can omit it or use a few fresh fenugreek leaves, though dried leaves provide a unique flavor profile.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store leftover Butter Chicken?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Butter Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

James Martin's Creamy Butter Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that brings the exotic warmth of Indian spices into the comfort of your home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this dish is an inviting gateway to explore Indian cuisine with a British accent. Enjoy the culinary adventure that this iconic dish offers, and let the aroma and taste remind you of the cultural fusion that food can beautifully encapsulate.