Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a creamy and flavorful chicken curry that is usually cooked in a tomato-based gravy. Traditionally, this dish is cooked slowly over a long period of time to enhance the flavors. However, if you are short on time and want to enjoy the rich taste of butter chicken, you can use a pressure cooker to expedite the cooking process.
Using a pressure cooker can help tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavors quickly, resulting in a delicious and aromatic butter chicken. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking butter chicken in a pressure cooker, so you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish in no time.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients, including boneless chicken, butter, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, yogurt, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. The pressure cooker will help lock in the flavors and make the chicken incredibly tender.
Butter Chicken: A Delicious Indian Dish
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular and delectable Indian dish. It is a creamy and flavorful curry that is loved by people all over the world. The dish originated in Punjab, a state in northern India, and has become a staple in Indian cuisine.
The main ingredient in butter chicken is chicken, which is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a rich tomato and butter-based sauce, which gives the dish its creamy texture and distinct flavor.
One of the key spices used in butter chicken is garam masala, a fragrant blend of ground spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. This spice mixture enhances the overall taste of the dish and adds a wonderful aroma.
To make butter chicken, the chicken is first marinated for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the marinade. The chicken is then cooked in a pressure cooker, which helps to speed up the cooking process and intensify the flavors.
Once the chicken is cooked, it is added to the butter and tomato sauce, along with cream and other spices. The dish is then simmered for a short period of time to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a creamy and delicious butter chicken that is perfect with naan bread or steamed rice.
Butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Indian dishes such as biryani or vegetable curry. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that is loved by both young and old alike.
In conclusion, if you are a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to try something new and delicious, butter chicken is a must-try dish. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and aromatic spices make it a truly enjoyable culinary experience.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken:
To cook butter chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste
– 2 teaspoons of red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
– 1 cup of tomato puree
– 1/2 cup of fresh cream
– 2 tablespoons of cashew paste
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
– Naan or rice for serving
Ensure that you have all these ingredients before you begin cooking the butter chicken in the pressure cooker.
Preparation Steps for Butter Chicken
To make delicious butter chicken in a pressure cooker, follow these simple preparation steps:
1. Marinate the chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces and coat them with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Prepare the sauce
Next, prepare the sauce for the butter chicken. Heat oil in the pressure cooker and add chopped onions. Cook until the onions turn golden brown. Then, add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute. Add tomato puree, red chili powder, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the sauce.
3. Cook the chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the sauce and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to brown slightly. Add water, salt, and butter to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
4. Finish and serve
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and check the consistency of the gravy. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in cream and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Your delicious butter chicken is now ready to be served. Serve hot with naan or rice.
- Marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices
- Cook onions until golden brown
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute
- Add tomato puree, spices, and cook until oil separates
- Add marinated chicken and cook to brown slightly
- Add water, salt, and butter, and pressure cook
- Open cooker and check the consistency of gravy
- Stir in cream and chopped coriander leaves
- Serve hot with naan or rice
Cooking Butter Chicken in Pressure Cooker
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
- In a pressure cooker, heat butter and oil together.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the masala.
- Add yogurt and salt. Mix well.
- Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and cook for 10 minutes on high flame.
- Reduce the flame to low and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the pressure cooker from heat and let the pressure release naturally.
- Add cream and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with naan or rice.
Enjoy your homemade butter chicken cooked in a pressure cooker!
Serving Butter Chicken
Once the butter chicken is cooked and ready to be served, there are several ways to enjoy this delicious dish:
- Serve the butter chicken hot with steamed basmati rice. The fragrant rice pairs perfectly with the creamy and flavorful curry.
- Garnish the butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice. This adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the dish.
- Accompany the butter chicken with warm naan bread or roti. The soft and flaky bread can be used to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
- Add a dollop of yogurt on top of the butter chicken to balance out the spices and provide a cooling effect.
- Serve a side of pickles or chutneys, such as mango chutney or mint chutney, to add a contrasting flavor to the rich and creamy curry.
Remember to savor each bite of the butter chicken and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this classic Indian dish.
Tips and Variations for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a delicious and popular Indian dish that can be made in a pressure cooker for a quick and easy meal. Here are some tips and variations to help you perfect this flavorful dish:
1. Marinate the chicken: To enhance the flavor of the chicken, marinate it in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Use boneless chicken: Boneless chicken thighs or breast pieces work well for butter chicken. They cook faster and have a tender texture.
3. Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder butter chicken, reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit it altogether. You can also add more chili powder or green chilies for a spicier version.
4. Add cream for richness: For a creamy and rich butter chicken, add heavy cream or cashew cream to the gravy. This will give it a luscious texture and mellow out the spices.
5. Experiment with spices: While the traditional butter chicken recipe uses a specific blend of spices, feel free to experiment and add your own twist. You could try adding garam masala, cardamom, fenugreek leaves, or black pepper for extra flavor.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs: To add freshness and color to your butter chicken, garnish it with chopped cilantro or fresh fenugreek leaves. This will give it a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor.
7. Serve with naan or rice: Butter chicken pairs well with naan bread or steamed rice. The bread can be used to scoop up the delicious gravy, while the rice provides a neutral base to balance out the flavors.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a mouthwatering butter chicken dish that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, creamy or tangy, butter chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQ
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
How long does it take to cook butter chicken in a pressure cooker?
Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook butter chicken in a pressure cooker.
What ingredients do I need to make butter chicken in a pressure cooker?
To make butter chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need chicken, spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, butter, tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, cream, and cilantro.
Can I use boneless chicken for butter chicken in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for butter chicken in a pressure cooker. It cooks faster and is easier to eat.