May 2021 Butter Chicken

INGREDIENTS

· 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

· 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

· 1 tbsp tandoori masala

· 1 Serrano chili

· 3 cloves garlic

· Small ginger root

· 1 tbsp red chili powder - link

· 1 tbsp garam masala - link

· 1 tsp turmeric

· 1 can San Marzano tomatoes (14.5 oz)

· 1 medium yellow or sweet onion (medium dice)

· 1/2 pint heavy cream

· Parsley for garnish

· 4 tbsp ghee or butter

METHOD

Chicken prep

· In a bowl combine chicken, Greek yogurt, and tandoori masala.

· Thoroughly mix with hands to ensure all surfaces of chicken get even coating

· Cover bowl in plastic wrap and leave to refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours. Preferably over night

· (Be sure to let chicken sit a room temp for an hour prior to searing)

Tomato sauce

· Combine San Marzano tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt to taste into a pressure cooker (instant pot works well)

· Pressure cook for 12-15 minutes until tomatoes break apart with easily with spoon

· Use immersion/stick blender to blend into a smooth sauce

· Set aside for later use

Aadu lassan

· Coarsely chop chilis, garlic, and ginger

· Use either mortar pestle, food processor, or continuous chopping with knife until you reach paste like consistency

· Set aside for later use

Putting it all together

· Heat up dutch oven over a medium-high heat and use 1 tbsp of vegetable of oil to line surface

· Sear chicken until charred color is achieved (4-5 minutes each side)

· Set chicken aside on cooling rack, and clean out pan if large charred bits reside

· Lower heat to medium, add 2 tsp of butter, and onion. Cook until translucent.

· Add aadu lassan and cook for another 4-5 minutes

· Add tomato sauce and lower temperature to medium-low

· Chicken should be cool enough to handle; and chop into 1/2 inch cubes and add to dutch oven

· Let simmer for 8-10 minutes and add salt to taste.

· Add heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp of butter and let simmer uncovered until desired thickness in consistency is achieved

· (Optional: Good time to add garam masala at this stage to taste for extra flavor is desired)

Done! Serve with rice and naan.