Demystifying the Real Indian Name Behind Everyone’s Favorite Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is hands down one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world. With its rich creamy gravy and tender flavorful chicken pieces, it’s easy to see why this iconic curry has gained global fame. But did you know that butter chicken is not what Indians actually call this dish in its homeland?

In India, butter chicken goes by a different name – Murgh Makhani.

In this article, we’ll uncover the origins, ingredients, preparation methods and cultural importance of Murgh Makhani to understand the story behind one of India’s crowning culinary achievements.

Tracing the Origins of Murgh Makhani

To understand any dish, you need to first understand its roots. So how did Murgh Makhani come to be?

The roots can be found in Delhi, India, in the middle of the 20th century. The creative chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant came up with the idea. They wanted to find a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken. They were very smart when they put the grilled chicken pieces into a thick, creamy tomato sauce that was full of Indian spices and butter. This was the start of the first Murgh Makhani.

This ingenious dish allowed the chefs to transform leftovers into an unforgettable curry, which would go on to become a shining star of Indian cuisine

Decoding the Name – Murgh Makhani

The name Murgh Makhani is a perfect encapsulation of this dish’s essence.

• Murgh means chicken in Hindi and Urdu, denoting the prime protein ingredient.

• Makhani translates to “buttery” or “with butter”. This refers to the large amounts of butter and cream that were used to make the fancy gravy.

When combined, Murgh Makhani aptly describes the rich, buttery chicken curry we know as butter chicken. The name evokes images of tender chicken enveloped in an aromatic, spice-infused creamy sauce.

Key Ingredients That Define Murgh Makhani

A dish is only as good as its components. For Murgh Makhani, it’s all about making sure the chicken and gravy are really good.

For the chicken:

• Bone-in chicken pieces are traditionally used for the rich flavor they impart

• Chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, lemon juice, ginger and garlic pastes

For the Makhani gravy:

• Tomatoes provide sweetness and body

• Butter and cream are swirled in for that signature velvety texture

• Spice blend containing garam masala, cumin, coriander etc.

• Onions, garlic, ginger and tomato puree cooked into a smooth sauce

• Optional cashew paste to add more richness

It’s the balanced combination of juicy chicken and aromatic gravy that elevates this dish to legendary status.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide for Murgh Makhani

Now that we know the components, let’s look at how it all comes together through the step-by-step cooking process:

1. Marinate the chicken

• In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, ginger and garlic pastes

• Refrigerate for several hours or overnight

2. Cook the chicken

• Roast or grill the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred

3. Prepare the Makhani gravy

• Saute onions, garlic, ginger, tomato puree on low heat

• Simmer until the raw tomato flavor dissipates

• Temper with garam masala, cumin, coriander, kasuri methi

• Stir in butter, cream and cashews

• Blend until smooth

4. Bring it all together

• Add the cooked chicken to the Makhani gravy

• Gently simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to amalgamate

5. Finish and serve

• Garnish with cream, coriander leaves

• Serve with naan, rice or Indian flatbreads

Taking the time to carefully follow each step results in a Murgh Makhani that looks and tastes just like it was ordered at a restaurant!

Why Murgh Makhani Occupies a Special Place in Indian Culture

In India, Murgh Makhani holds a greater significance beyond just being a popular dish. It is intrinsically tied to traditions of hospitality, celebration and togetherness in Indian culture.

Welcoming Guests

Indian hospitality emphasizes making guests feel pampered and special. Murgh Makhani is often specially prepared when guests arrive as it is considered a royal treat.

Marking Celebrations

Murgh Makhani often shows up at events like festivals, weddings, and parties, adding a special touch of luxury. Offering this dish shows how much someone is valued.

Bringing People Together

Savoring Murgh Makhani is a communal affair, often with families sharing from the same dish. The experience bonds people over a shared love for this iconic curry.

For Indians, Murgh Makhani is all about celebrating relationships. The dish represents the warmth, generosity and affection that embodies the spirit of Indian hospitality.

The Global Appeal of Murgh Makhani

It’s no surprise that Murgh Makhani has gained worldwide fame under the name ‘Butter Chicken’. Here’s a look at its global appeal:

Adaptability

The dish effortlessly adapts across cultures. Variants tweak spice levels and ingredients to suit local tastes.

Familiar Ingredients

For many Western palates, ingredients like chicken, butter and cream seem familiar and approachable.

Milder Spicing

Compared to many curries, Murgh Makhani has milder spicing, giving it mass appeal.

Satisfying Flavors

The winning combination of rich, creamy and lightly spiced tastes has universal appeal.

Murgh Makhani’s ability to strike the perfect balance between exotic and familiar has won over taste buds far beyond India.

Innovative Interpretations: Butter Chicken Around the World

The iconic status of butter chicken has inspired many fusion food creations globally:

Butter Chicken Pizza

A fun twist marrying Indian and Italian flavors! The makhani gravy base gets topped with chicken, cheese and classic pizza toppings.

Butter Chicken Tacos

The butter chicken goodness stuffed into soft tacos for a messy, bold new take on Mexican street food.

Butter Chicken Lasagna

An Italian lasagna spin with layers of buttery chicken curry, pasta sheets, cheese and spinach.

Butter Chicken Poutine

A Canadian classic reloaded with butter chicken gravy, fries and cheese curds. Rich and indulgent!

Butter Chicken Burgers

Chicken patties smothered with spicy makhani sauce served on burger buns make for an Indian burger twist.

These fusion adaptations showcase just how versatile and adaptable the flavors of Murgh Makhani can be while retaining the comforting, creamy decadence we love.

Tips for An Authentic Murgh Makhani Experience at Home

While Murgh Makhani is right at home on Indian restaurant menus, it can easily be replicated in your own kitchen with a few tips:

• Use quality ingredients – Splurge on fresh spices, tomatoes and good chicken cuts

• Allow marination time – At least 4-6 hours for the chicken to soak up maximum flavor

• Cook chicken properly – Grill, roast or pan fry for the right texture

• Simmer the gravy – Cook slowly on low heat to let the flavors develop

• Adjust spice levels – Cater the spice mix to individual preferences

• Finish with cream – Swirl in cold cream just before serving for richness

• Serve with rice or naan – Essential for enjoying Murgh Makhani the traditional Indian way!

Bringing Together an Iconic Taste Journey

Murgh Makhani beautifully brings together nostalgic flavors with culinary finesse into one iconic dish. Getting its traditional name and preparation right is key to unlocking the full sensory experience.

More than just a meal, Murgh Makhani tells a tale of innovative origins, evolving interpretations and lasting cultural significance. So the next time you savor Butter Chicken, remember the rich story behind the real name – Murgh Makhani!

Butter chicken