Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that consists of marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a beloved staple of Indian cuisine and can be found on menus at Indian restaurants around the world.
The history of butter chicken dates back to the 1950s, when it was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of a popular restaurant in Delhi called Moti Mahal. According to legend, butter chicken was created as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken, which had become dry and hard. To remedy this, Gujral added a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce to the chicken, which transformed it into a new and delicious dish.
Butter chicken quickly gained popularity and became a staple of Moti Mahal’s menu. It was eventually introduced to other parts of India and the world, and today it is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures.
The rise to fame can be attributed to the rise of immigration back in the post-World War II period, when a wave of South Asian immigrants arrived to the United Kingdom. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions and introduced a range of new dishes to the British public, including butter chicken.
As Indian cuisine gained popularity in the United Kingdom, more and more Indian restaurants began to open, offering dishes such as butter chicken to their customers. These restaurants quickly became popular, and Indian food became an integral part of the British culinary landscape.
Today, butter chicken is a popular dish in the United Kingdom and around the world, and can be found on the menu at many Indian restaurants. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and has become an integral butter chicken part of British cuisine.
There are many variations of butter chicken, and the recipe can vary from region to region and from chef to chef. However, the basic ingredients typically include chicken, butter, tomato puree, heavy cream, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cumin, and coriander. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor, a traditional Indian clay oven. Once the chicken is cooked, it is added to the creamy tomato sauce and simmered until the flavors have melded together.
Over the years, butter chicken has evolved and adapted to the changing tastes and preferences of its consumers. In the early days, the dish was only served at high-end restaurants and was considered a luxury item. However, as it gained popularity, it became more widely available and could be found at restaurants of all types and price ranges.
Today, it is enjoyed by people around the world and can be found on menus at Indian restaurants in virtually every corner of the globe. Butter chicken has evolved and adapted over the years, and it continues to be a beloved and iconic part of Indian cuisine.
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