Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that has been gaining popularity in the United States in recent years. As an American, I I find it exciting to try new and unfamiliar cuisines – though I am not the same about new protein sources. I’ll stick to beef, pork & chicken!
Diets = New Cuisine Killer!
Dieting always was a restriction in the joy of discovering & trying new ethnic foods and the unique flavors and experiences they can offer.
If a new dish sounded good, it’s almost too much work to figure out IF or HOW the new recipe could fall into a diet. Especially one like butter chicken; butter & heavy cream. Dieting Jackie would WANT it so bad, but feel ashamed of trying it. What if I liked it and wanted a large portion?! Would I indulge and regret it later? Would I not indulge and have a whole new set of regrets? Thankfully, I don’t live that life anymore.
Butter Chicken – A Favorite OMAD
Butter chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is rich in butter and spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The dish is usually served with basmati rice or naan bread, which can be used to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
My first experience with butter chicken was when I stumbled upon a recipe when I was looking for recipes to make using my Instant Pot. Initially, I was intrigued by the unfamiliar names on the ingredient list and the spices and flavors that I was not accustomed to. I was delighted by the photos of vibrant colors and I could almost imagine the aroma of the butter chicken.
I went to a local spice shop to pick up Garam Masala (MUST HAVE)!! Upon first execution of the meal, the flavors were rich and complex, with a perfect balance of creamy and spicy. The naan bread was also a pleasant surprise, with its fluffy texture and ability to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Since that first experience, I have been eager to try more ethnic foods and explore the diverse range of flavors and cultures that are available in my community. I have since tried Thai dishes, Korean barbecue, and Mexican corn Elote, all of which have introduced me to new spices and cooking techniques.
Fun to Explore with Food
Trying new foods not only expands our palate but also exposes us to new cultures and perspectives. By trying new cuisines, we can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the diverse backgrounds and traditions of the people around us. How fun that I can experience another person’s world, right here in Michigan!
Butter chicken has become one of my favorite dishes and has opened up a whole new world of Indian cuisine for me to explore. I have since tried other Indian dishes such as samosas, and chicken pakora. These have been equally delicious and satisfying.
As always, Intermittent Fasting is to thank!
Trying new ethnic foods can be a fun and exciting way to expand our culinary horizons and learn about different cultures. How fabulous that with Intermittent Fasting I get to continue the joy of adventurous foods (though I will admit, I am much less adventurous than some… I’ll pass on eating escargot, thanks!!). No more critiquing recipes, not going to new restaurants because I don’t know nutrition… that’s all gone!
Recipe!
Butter chicken is a great example of a dish that can introduce us to the rich and complex flavors of Indian cuisine. I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and try something new the next time they are at a restaurant or cooking at home. You never know what delicious surprises await!
Here is a link to the recipe I have followed for YEARS! It’s so good and a true family favorite. It’s actually one of the only dinners we always have 2 nights in a row when I make it (bonus for me!!)
You can also follow along on this video I made sharing how I accompany the butter chicken. I’ll tell you here, I also make paneer, naan, steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice/rice. The video shows it all packaged together.
I hope you enjoy this in an eating window in your future!
NOTE: I make this vegetarian at times by simply omitting chicken!
