Grilled Indian Butter Chicken
This is a recipe that I have had for decades and sparingly made because I reserved it for very special occasions. I felt guilty cooking such rich food and adding to our daily calorie count. However, after we came to Malaysia, I started grilling meat instead of frying it and experimented with all my recipes until I came up with delicious alternatives. This is one such and a joy to behold and cook. The rich, vibrant colour of the gravy makes it a knockout every single time.
The Recipe:
500gms boneless chicken cubes,washed and drained.
Grind 1 tsp chilli powder; 2 tbsp
ginger garlic paste; 2 cloves; 2 cardamom pods; 1/2 tsp methi seeds, roasted;
1 tsp vinegar or to taste; salt to taste; juice of 1 lime; 1/2 cup curds.
Marinade overnight.
ginger garlic paste; 2 cloves; 2 cardamom pods; 1/2 tsp methi seeds, roasted;
1 tsp vinegar or to taste; salt to taste; juice of 1 lime; 1/2 cup curds.
Marinade overnight.
For the Gravy: 500gms tomato puree – tinned or
fresh; 50 gms cashew nuts, roasted and powdered; 1/4 tsp pepper powder, freshly
crushed; 1/4 tsp chilli powder; 1 tsp brown sugar or more to taste; 1 tbsp
butter; 1/2 cup water to mix with the tomato puree.
fresh; 50 gms cashew nuts, roasted and powdered; 1/4 tsp pepper powder, freshly
crushed; 1/4 tsp chilli powder; 1 tsp brown sugar or more to taste; 1 tbsp
butter; 1/2 cup water to mix with the tomato puree.
For the Garnish: 2 tbsp milk powder mixed with 2
tbsp water- should be a thick, pouring consistency; coriander leaves, chopped.
tbsp water- should be a thick, pouring consistency; coriander leaves, chopped.
Next day grill the chicken
in a preheated oven at 250 Celsius for 5 to 7 minutes both
sides. The first side takes longer, so watch the chicken carefully.
When done cover and keep hot.
in a preheated oven at 250 Celsius for 5 to 7 minutes both
sides. The first side takes longer, so watch the chicken carefully.
When done cover and keep hot.
In the meanwhile make the sauce.
Mix the tomato puree with the water and keep ready for use. Heat a
deep nonstick pan and heat the butter on a medium flame until it melts.
Lower the flame, add the cashew nut powder and stir fry golden brown.
You have to be very quick as the cashew can burn easily. Pour in
the tomato puree, add the salt, chilli powder, pepper powder, sugar and taste
to adjust the flavour. Increase the heat, keep stirring until the gravy
is thick and dark red. Add the chicken, bring to the boil and
remove from the fire. Transfer to serving dish. Just before
serving garnish with the milk powder and coriander leaves. Serve
hot with Jeera Rice or any Indian Bread.
Mix the tomato puree with the water and keep ready for use. Heat a
deep nonstick pan and heat the butter on a medium flame until it melts.
Lower the flame, add the cashew nut powder and stir fry golden brown.
You have to be very quick as the cashew can burn easily. Pour in
the tomato puree, add the salt, chilli powder, pepper powder, sugar and taste
to adjust the flavour. Increase the heat, keep stirring until the gravy
is thick and dark red. Add the chicken, bring to the boil and
remove from the fire. Transfer to serving dish. Just before
serving garnish with the milk powder and coriander leaves. Serve
hot with Jeera Rice or any Indian Bread.
NB: I use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the puree. Just grind it together and use.
Dear Ruth
My name is Joe Pinzone and I'm casting an international travel show about expats moving abroad. We'd love to film in Malaysia and wanted to know if you could help us find expats who have moved there within the last 15 months or have been there for 3-4 years, but recently moved into a new home. The show documents their move to a new country and will place the country in fabulous light. The contributors on the show would also receive monetary compensation if they are filmed. If you'd like more information, please give me a call at 212-231-7716 or skype me at joefromnyc. You can also email me at joepinzone@leopardusa.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Joe Pinzone
Casting Producer
P: 212-231-7716
Skype: Joefromnyc