When it comes to food, the name of a dish holds meaning beyond just identification. The name of a dish can give insight into the history behind it, the ingredients used, or even the cultural significance it holds. In this series of blogs, we will explore the history behind famous Indian dishes.
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, has recently claimed the top spot in the "Top 100 Chicken Dishes in the World" list by TasteAtlas, (an online guide for traditional food) solidifying its place as a global culinary sensation. This rich and flavourful dish, which is probably, the best known of all Indian dishes, is made from chicken bathed in a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. In this article we will delve into the origins of this culinary gem in Delhi, India, and its fascinating history dating back to the 1950s.
Birth of Butter Chicken: Moti Mahal's Accidental Creation
The story of butter chicken's creation is steeped in the history of post-Partition India. Kundan Lal Jaggi and Kundan Lal Gujral, who hailed from Peshawar, played key roles in its development. Leftover tandoori chicken was mixed with rich tomato gravy infused with makhan, earning it the name "murgh makhani." In 1975, the English phrase "butter chicken" first appeared in print, highlighting its emergence as a specialty at the Gaylord Indian restaurant in Manhattan.
Controversy: Who Invented Butter Chicken?
Two families claim the legacy of inventing butter chicken, adding an intriguing layer to its history. The first story dates back before the partition of India and Pakistan, when Kundan Lal Gujral made tandoori chicken in a dhaba in Peshawar in the 1920s. After independence, he arrived in Delhi and opened a restaurant, the Moti Mahal restaurant in the Daryaganj neighbourhood of Old Delhi. Back in those days, the unsold leftovers couldn’t be stored in a fridge. Gujral didn’t want them to be wasted, so he experimented with dried chunks of chicken, added tomatoes, butter, and some masalas to the gravy and thus, gave birth to the famous butter chicken.
On the other hand, another version attributes the invention of Butter Chicken to Kundan Lal Jaggi, the man in the kitchen stirring the pot at Moti Mahal while Gujral was said to be the host at the restaurant. Regardless of the conflicting claims, Moti Mahal became a landmark in Delhi, attracting patrons like Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
Preparation of Butter Chicken: A Symphony of Flavours
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The preparation of butter chicken involves a meticulous process that begins with marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, dahi (yogurt), Kashmiri red chili, salt, garam masala, ginger and garlic paste for several hours. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor that is a traditional clay oven, although there are also alternatives for cooking the chicken in a grill, oven, or a pan. Usually, boneless chicken is used to prepare butter chicken. The dish is served in a mild curry sauce featuring tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and, of course, butter.
The sauce is simmered until smooth and thick, with water evaporating and there are many variations on the composition and spicing of the sauce, which is sieved so as to achieve a velvety consistency. Spices such as cardamom, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, pepper, garam masala, and fenugreek are incorporated into the sauce. Cashew paste, malai (fresh milk cream) or yoghurt may be also used as a thickener, and the final touch involves garnishing with fresh coriander.
Trivia: Butter Chicken's Global Impact
Beyond its Indian roots, butter chicken has become a global phenomenon. October 20th is celebrated as World Butter Chicken Day. Its popularity extends to unique adaptations like butter chicken rotis in Canada, butter chicken tacos in New York, and even a butter chicken pie introduced by McDonald's in New Zealand. Reportedly, during the lockdown, New Zealanders ordered over 1,300 butter chickens in just 89 days. Butter chicken is also used as a topping on Pizzas as well as a filling in shawarma. Supermarkets worldwide offer ready-to-eat butter chicken meal boxes and butter chicken masala for those eager to try making this iconic dish at home.
Butter chicken's journey from the kitchens in Delhi to becoming a global fame is a testament to its irresistible flavours and cultural significance. This dish continues to transcend borders, bringing people together to savour its rich and aromatic allure. Whether enjoyed in the bustling streets or the international kitchens of New York, butter chicken remains a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
