Introduction: What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a popular North Indian dish that is known for its rich, creamy and tomato-based gravy. It is a mild and flavorful curry that is made with boneless chicken pieces that are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with butter and cream. This delicious dish is usually served with rice, bread, or a combination of both.
The Origins of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is believed to have originated in the city of Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created by the famous chef Kundan Lal Gujral, who was the owner of the famous restaurant Moti Mahal Delux. The dish was created as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken, which was marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tandoor oven. The chicken was then added to a rich tomato-based gravy, which was made with butter and cream, and butter chicken was born.
The Main Ingredients in Butter Chicken
The main ingredients in butter chicken are boneless chicken, yogurt, spices, tomatoes, butter, and cream. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The tomato-based gravy is made with a combination of fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, and is cooked with butter and cream to give it a rich and creamy texture.
The Best Side Dishes for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some of the best side dishes to serve with butter chicken include:
- Naan bread: This soft and chewy bread is perfect for soaking up the rich and creamy gravy.
- Basmati rice: This fragrant and fluffy rice is the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken.
- Raita: This refreshing yogurt-based side dish helps to balance out the richness of the butter chicken.
- Papadums: These crispy and crunchy Indian crackers are a great way to add some texture to the meal.
Vegetarian Side Dishes for Butter Chicken
If you are vegetarian or want to serve some vegetarian side dishes alongside butter chicken, there are several options to choose from. Some of the best vegetarian side dishes to serve with butter chicken include:
- Saag paneer: This creamy and flavorful dish is made with spinach and paneer cheese.
- Aloo gobi: This dish is made with potatoes and cauliflower and is flavored with a variety of spices.
- Chana masala: This spicy and tangy dish is made with chickpeas and is a great source of protein.
- Vegetable biryani: This fragrant and flavorful rice dish is made with a variety of vegetables and spices.
Rice Options to Serve with Butter Chicken
When it comes to rice options to serve with butter chicken, basmati rice is the most common choice. This fragrant and fluffy rice pairs well with the rich and creamy gravy of the butter chicken. Another option is pulao rice, which is flavored with spices and can add some additional flavor to the meal. If you want to add some color to the meal, you can also serve saffron rice, which is made with saffron threads and has a beautiful yellow color.
Bread Options to Serve with Butter Chicken
When it comes to bread options to serve with butter chicken, naan bread is the most popular choice. This soft and chewy bread is perfect for soaking up the rich and creamy gravy. Another option is roti, which is a thin and crispy bread that is made with whole wheat flour. Paratha is another option, which is a flaky and buttery bread that is made with layered dough.
Salad Options to Serve with Butter Chicken
While butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish, it is always nice to have some fresh and light side dishes to balance out the meal. Some salad options to serve with butter chicken include:
- Cucumber salad: This refreshing salad is made with cucumber, tomato, and onion, and is dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Tomato and onion salad: This simple salad is made with sliced tomatoes and onions and is dressed with lemon juice and salt.
- Green salad: This salad is made with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato, and is dressed with a vinaigrette dressing.
Beverage Pairings for Butter Chicken
When it comes to beverage pairings for butter chicken, there are several options to choose from. Some of the best beverage pairings for butter chicken include:
- Indian beer: A cold beer is a great way to wash down the rich and flavorful butter chicken.
- Lassi: This refreshing yogurt-based drink is a great way to cool down the spiciness of the butter chicken.
- Indian chai: This spiced tea is a great way to finish off the meal and is a traditional beverage in Indian cuisine.
Desserts to Complement Butter Chicken
While butter chicken is a delicious and filling meal on its own, there is always room for dessert. Some desserts to complement butter chicken include:
- Gulab jamun: These sweet and syrupy dough balls are a popular dessert in Indian cuisine.
- Kheer: This creamy and sweet rice pudding is flavored with cardamom and saffron.
- Ras malai: This dessert is made with soft and spongy cheese balls that are soaked in sweetened milk and flavored with cardamom.
