INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN
From Kathy Reid Miller
6 T. butter, divided
2 lbs. chicken breasts, cut into 1" chunks
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 t. garam masala
1 T. fresh grated ginger*
1 t. chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. cayenne pepper*
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (or one 14 oz. can)
2 cups cream*
salt, pepper
lime and cilantro, for garnish
naan and rice for serving
In 2 T. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pieces of the chicken so each side is browned, but not fully cooked. Work in batches; set aside.
Melt another 2 T. of butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it begins to soften - about 3 minutes.
Add the garlic, garam masala, ginger, chili powder, cumin and cayenne. Stir to combine.
Cook for about 45 seconds and then add the tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook 5 minutes.
Add the cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
Add the browned chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Keep the heat low - not a rolling boil.
Stir in the remaining 2 T. butter and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve garnished with lime and cilantro, alongside rice and naan. Serves 4.
*Kathy's Note: I used 1 cup HEAVY cream, and 1 cup water. You could use table cream, or sub 1 cup for milk, but be careful for curdling if you lessen the fat content! Also, I use ground ginger in the jar and I only use about 1/8-1/4 t. red pepper. I don't like it too hot.