Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
Savor the exquisite flavors of our Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan recipe, featuring tender marinated chicken cooked in a luscious tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Accompanied by soft, buttery garlic naan, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience that blends rich taste with the tranquility of mindful cooking.
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Today’s recipe, Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan, is more than a dish; it’s a testament to the art of mindful cooking and the joy it brings to our daily lives. As you embark on this culinary adventure, I invite you to embrace a unique 10-minute kitchen sound meditation. Settle into the present moment, closing your eyes gently, and allow yourself to be guided by the soothing sounds of the kitchen. From the gentle sizzle of the Butter Chicken to the rhythmic ticking of a clock, let each sound envelop you in a sense of calm and presence. This recipe is designed not only to satiate your hunger but to encourage a moment of calm and presence in the kitchen, where every sensation, every aroma, and every sound contributes to the symphony of mindful cooking.
The Essence of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
Butter Chicken, with its origins deep in the heart of Indian cuisine, is a dish celebrated worldwide for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. When paired with soft, fluffy garlic Naan bread, it becomes an emblem of comfort food, bringing warmth and joy with every bite. While we delve into the buttery goodness of this iconic dish, we recommend pairing it with store-bought Stonefire Naan or following Cafe Delites’ Homemade Garlic Naan Bread recipe for those who wish to indulge in the full experience of making Naan at home.
Ingredients:
For Butter Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Time to Make:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marinade)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
The Mindful Preparation of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
Marinade: A Prelude to Butter Chicken Flavor
Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by gathering your ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Assemble the yogurt, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- With each ingredient, take a moment to appreciate its role in enhancing the flavors of the dish. As you combine them in the bowl, observe the colors blending and the aromas mingling together.
- Now, gently add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or if time allows, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight, deepening the infusion of flavors.
The Essence of Butter Chicken
Sauté the Aromatics:
- As you heat the butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet, take a moment to feel the warmth spreading through the pan. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
- Take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh aroma rising from the skillet.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until chicken is no longer pink, or about 7-8 minutes.
- As it hits the hot surface, listen to the gentle sizzle and observe the colors changing as the chicken begins to cook. Notice how each movement brings the dish closer to completion.
Kitchen Sound Meditation
1. Find Your Space: Choose a comfortable spot in your kitchen where you can sit or stand without distractions. It could be near the stove or countertop where you’re preparing the Butter Chicken.
2. Close Your Eyes: Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths to settle into the present moment.
3. Listen Mindfully: Start to pay attention to the sounds around you. Notice the gentle sizzle of the Butter Chicken simmering, the rhythmic ticking of a clock, or any other kitchen sounds.
4. Focus on Individual Sounds: Pick one sound to focus on, such as the sizzle of the chicken or the hum of the refrigerator. Dive deeply into that sound, noticing its pitch, volume, and texture.
5. Follow the Sound: As you focus on the chosen sound, let it guide your attention.
6.Expand Your Awareness: Gradually expand your awareness to include other sounds in the kitchen.
7. Embrace Silence: Embrace moments of silence between sounds as opportunities to rest in stillness and presence.
8. Practice Gratitude: As you continue the meditation, cultivate gratitude for the sense of hearing and the ability to experience the richness of sound in your environment.
Closing Reflection: After 10 minutes, slowly transition out of the meditation. Take a few deep breaths and open your eyes. Notice how you feel after immersing yourself in the sounds of the kitchen.
Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan: The Companion
For an authentic experience, we recommend pairing this dish with store-bought garlic Naan (we like Stonefire!) or trying your hand at Cafe Delites’ Homemade Garlic Naan Bread recipe linked above in the intro. The soft, buttery Garlic Naan makes the perfect vessel for the creamy Butter Chicken, elevating this meal to new heights of deliciousness.
Serenity with Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
With the Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan ready to serve, sit down to this meal with gratitude, savoring each bite mindfully. Let this cooking experience remind you of the beauty in the process, the joy of sharing, and the peace that comes from a meal prepared with intention.
As you continue on your path to mindful living, we hope you enjoyed the 10-minute sound meditation, allowing the symphony of kitchen sounds to guide you to a state of calm and presence while the meal simmered. Whether it’s through the slow simmering of sauces or the kneading of dough, there’s a meditative quality to cooking that can help soothe the mind and enrich the soul. We invite you to return to our blog for more recipes, such as our Ancho Chili Aioli, and tips on living a more mindful, joyful life. Let the journey of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan be a step towards a more serene existence, where each meal is a moment to cherish and a step towards inner peace.
Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece ginger grated
- 1 can 400g tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by gathering your ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Assemble the yogurt, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.1 cup plain yogurt, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, Salt to taste
- With each ingredient, take a moment to appreciate its role in enhancing the flavors of the dish. As you combine them in the bowl, observe the colors blending and the aromas mingling together.
- Now, gently add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated.500 g boneless chicken breast
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or if time allows, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight, deepening the infusion of flavors.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- As you heat the butter in a large skillet, take a moment to feel the warmth spreading through the pan. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until fragrant.1 large onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1- inch piece ginger, 2 tbsp butter
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until chicken is no longer pink, or about 7-8 minutes.
- As it hits the hot surface, listen to the gentle sizzle and observe the colors changing as the chicken begins to cook. Stir in the heavy cream to texture. Notice how each movement brings the dish closer to completion.1 cup heavy cream
- As you reduce the heat and add the tomato puree, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant color and rich texture of the sauce.1 can
- Sprinkle in the remaining garam masala and a pinch of salt, allowing the flavors to meld together.2 teaspoons garam masala
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