Butter chicken - In Silky Gravy - Low in calories- Without cashews

You might not be quite a curry fan, but I bet that you will fall head over heels for this dish! Who could resist this silky butter chicken? Almost no one unless you are a vegetarian.

The best news is that this dish is super easy to make without going through the long and strenuous cooking process that is common in Asian culinary methods. Therefore, it’s ideal for young people who are trying their hands at a bit of cooking. So, why not try it out on a date night or impress your flatmates? Really, give it a go!

I present this easy/healthy recipe after eliminating some ingredients such as cashew nuts, tomato passata, and yoghurt which usually are added to this dish. My aim is to minimize the effort and achieve glorious results, keeping in mind that the dish should not contain too many calories and cause any allergic reactions, yet be supreme in taste!

My Tips:

I suggest that you just go through the recipe while making quick mental notes about the ingredients, and the whole process of making it. This will allow you to get an idea about the cooking method if you are a novice in cooking curries.

Also, jot down all the required ingredients and go shopping. Do not forget to buy some flatbreads or basmati rice or both. Butter chicken and steamed basmati rice with a dollop of butter dripping down from the top is a real love story!

While making this dish, do not worry about the right measurement of ingredients. Just chop and drop them into the pan and it will sizzle its way to glory. Before serving, you can always adjust the taste.

Ingredients needed to make this delicious butter chicken dish;

Ingredients Amounts

Boneless chicken 300g

Double cream 1/4cup

Onions 1

Tomatoes 2

Bay leaves 1

Ginger & garlic 1tsp

Chilli P. 1/2tsp

Cloves 2

Water|(hot) 1cup

Salt 1tsp

Sugar pinches 4

Oil 1tbsp

Butter 2tbsp

Indian Masala - each 1/2tsp in quantity

*Garam masala
*Cumin powder (Jeera powder)
*Coriander powder ( Dhaniya powder)
*Turmeric
Chilli powder Kashoori Methi(Dried Fenugreek leaves) - A handful

Let’s make it;

Step 1 – Marinate the chicken and then fry

Marinate the chicken pieces with a little salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, and a few drops of lemon
Keep aside for 20 mins
Brush a little oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken pieces until cooked
Keep aside

Step 2 – Fry the onions and spices

Pound ginger & garlic together into a fine paste with a salt
In a pan heat 2tbsp of oil and drop a couple of bay leaves, 3 cloves, and 3 cardamoms
Now sauté the onions
Drop chopped tomatoes and ginger garlic paste
Stir-fry until onions and tomatoes are soft and juices run out

Add in the spices: Cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and chili powder
Add 1tbsp of hot water and gather all spices together
Stir fry for a minute or two

Drop the prepared chicken into the pan and stir fry until chicken pieces are coated well with the spices

Pour hot water just above the chicken (Do not pour too much water at this point)
Cover and cook under medium flame for 15mins
Open the lid and pour more hot water, cover, and cook another 5 mins

Step 3 – Final therapy – make the silky gravy

Now pour 1/4 cup of double cream, stir well, close the lid, and cook under a very low flame for 5-8 mins. (You can add more double cream if you prefer a thicker gravy)

Next, take a handful of Kasoori Methi and crush them by rubbing your palms together, and drop them into the pot. This is the vital therapy that gives the distinct aroma and flavour of this dish
Add a couple of pinches of sugar and stir through
Cover and simmer for a while (5 – 8 mins)
Let the pot sit for 10 -15mins until all the flavours incorporate
Your delicious butter chicken is ready!
Enjoy with a plate full of steaming white rice or freshly baked rotis