Indian Butter Chicken Meatballs {Murgh Makhani Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between butter chicken and murgh makhani? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. Its sauce is known for its rich texture. It is similar to chicken tikka masala, which uses a tomato paste.

Water, Tomato, Cream, Unsalted butter, Vegetable oil, Sugar, Modified corn starch, Concentrated tomato purée, Spices, Dried onion, Ginger, Garlic, Salt, Lactic acid (acidulant), Paprika extract, Citric acid (acidulant), Dried fenugreek leaf.

For butter chicken, great side options include rosemary bread, gluten-free loaves, cilantro-flavored rice, brown rice, small cauliflower bites, cheesy potatoes, veggies, crispy onions, crunchy tostadas, broccoli, onion fritters, soft naan, flat chapati bread, stuffed pastries, cooling cucumber dip, tangy mint sauce, ...

Butter chicken is made with a spiced tomato and butter sauce, which does in fact give it the sweet, creamy and buttery taste.

Butter Chicken is also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, which translates to “buttery chicken” in English. It is also sometimes referred to as Chicken Makhani.

Makhani (ਮੱਖਣੀ) is a Punjabi word meaning "butter" and may refer to several dishes in North Indian cuisine: Dal makhani, made from beans and pulses. Murgh makhani, also known as butter chicken or chicken makhani.

Cashew Paste: Make a paste by blending cashews with water, and then stir it into the butter chicken. This not only thickens the sauce but also adds a creamy texture. Tomato Paste: Incorporating tomato paste can enhance the thickness and flavor of the sauce.

With its sweetly spiced tomato and cream-based gravy, butter chicken is a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent thanks to its silky-smooth richness. It's a dish that can be cooked with either breast meat or chicken thighs, with bones or without.

Butter chicken tends to be creamier and sweeter than chicken curry, with heavier spices. On the other hand, Tikka masala tends to focus more on heat and spice. The two dishes often use similar ingredients: tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and different types of chilies—but they're not quite interchangeable.

There are so many vegetables go with Indian dishes. Specially onion, coriander leaves, potatoes, tomatoes, green chilli. Also, cabbage, capsicum, spinach, cucumber, radish, pumpkin, gouard , cauliflower , beans, peas, brinjal , ladyfinger etc.

What veggies go well in curry? ›

The curry base is made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and garam masala. I prefer to go with potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, corn and bell peppers. Though you can use other veggies like baby corn, sweet potato and broccoli, the curry will have different flavors.

If you don't have a problem with spices and the kick that come with it, you should try tikka masala. On the other hand, if you enjoy a creamy curry with a less intense spice flavor, the best option is butter chicken. But definitely give both dishes a shot!

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

Some popular options include: Chicken Tikka Masala: This dish is made with marinated chicken pieces that are grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It has a similar flavor to Butter Chicken, but is slightly spicier. Murgh Makhani: This is another dish that is similar to Butter Chicken.

Butter Chicken also known as Chicken Makhani is a classic Indian dish that's made by simmering marinated & grilled chicken (Tandoori chicken) in a spicy, aromatic, buttery and creamy tomato gravy.

The heat/ spice of the dish combines with the rich gravy and slight sweetness that make it very hard to resist. With most dishes that have fond memories it's the taste that lingers on even years later.

Paneer makhani is similar to paneer butter masala; both dishes consist of cubed paneer in a buttery tomato sauce but may feature slight variations in the spices used. Both paneer butter masala and the related dish shahi paneer gain extra richness from ground cashew nut paste added to the creamy tomato sauce.

Butter chicken vs tikka masala – at a glance

Butter chicken uses tandoori chicken, which is then finished in a spicy, buttery tomato-based sauce. The chicken in tikka masala is usually chargrilled, for a distinct flavor. Chicken tikka masala is most likely based on butter chicken, originally known as murgh makhani.