| So, I’ve been nagged to post a recipe over the past few days… but I’m also wanting to talk about a friend’s debut on reality TV tonight. Let’s see if I can just tie the two together!
Thursday night, I was hit by a fierce craving for butter chicken and dosa. Not only is it *not* the best thing to be craving when on a low carb diet, neither one of us was really in the mood to go out. So, we came to a compromise – we’d go to the grocery store and pick up a few items, and I’d toss together meal of Butter Chicken. I had a good handle on how it’s supposed to taste and look, and really – I’m not the one who had to do the dishes. Win! If you’ve made my Chicken Shahi Korma recipe, you should have most/all of the spices used in this dish. If not, go ahead and pick them up – I guarantee you’ll be cooking Indian more often! This absolutely hit the spot, and whipped up quickly and easily. Why deal with the drive, parking, a noisy restaurant.. when this is just as good? Now, reality tv… |
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In my recent blog entry – Triumph After Tragedy… and Helping a Friend, I introduced you to Stephanie, a friend who is about to make her reality TV debut on ABC’s “The Glass House“. Tonight, as a matter of fact!
So… tie in. Well, Stephanie is spicy and multifaceted, just like this recipe. This butter chicken has many different aspects working together for a complex flavor. Same with Stephanie, just.. um.. in a less literal sense. Even with all of those spices, it’s still very much a comfort food… and Stephanie is really laid back, easy going, friendly and very likeable. That’s a human version of “comfort food”, right? Also, she’s very much a foodie, and enjoys Indian food. How’s that for tying it all together? LOL!
Anyway, I hope you’ll join me in watching some (likely completely trashy) reality TV to cheer on a really good person tonight – and for up to the next 10 weeks, depending on how long she’ll stay on. Here are some other ways to follow her participation:
“Team Steph” Website: www.teamsteph.net*
“Team Steph” Twitter: @TeamStephGH*
“Team Steph” Twitter Hashtag: #TeamSteph*
“Team Steph” on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TeamStephGH*
“Stephanie” character Twitter Account: @TGHStephanie
Oh, and to help her stay on the entire 10 weeks, be sure to vote for her: here!
* Full disclosure: I’m one of the three admins behind the “Team Steph” social media campaign
Now… on to the Butter Chicken!
“Spur of the Moment” Butter Chicken Recipe
3 lbs boneless skinless chicken**
2-3 Tbsp freshly grated ginger root
5 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 tsp garam masala
1 Tbsp garam masala
1+ Tbsp pepper flakes
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp corinader
1 bay leaf
1 tsp fennel seed
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup butter
2 cups tomato puree
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
~12 oz paneer, cubed
1/2-1 cup cashews.
Salt and pepper to taste
Cut chicken into large cubes, place in a large bowl.
Put ginger, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and 1-2 tsp garam masala into a blender or food processor – process till it’s a thick paste. Pour over chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
In a small bowl, measure out the 1 Tbsp garam masala, pepper flakes, cumin, coriander, bay leaf, and fennel seed. Set aside.
In a large pan, cook chopped onions in 1 Tbsp olive oil until tender and translucent. Add chicken, cook until it starts to brown slightly. Add butter, tomato puree, yogurt, heavy cream and milk, stir well to form a coherent sauce. reduce heat to medium, simmer for about 20 minutes – sauce will thicken.
After 20 minutes, add cilantro, paneer, and cashews. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve over rice.
** We used a mix of chicken breast and chicken thigh meat.
