Easy Butter Chicken (Makhani)

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut in bite sized pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons butter
• 4 shallots, sliced in thin strips
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon gingerroot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped or pressed)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2/3 cup cream
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (or to taste)
• salt
• 1/4 cup slivered almond, divided (optional)
• 1/4 cup plump golden raisin (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh coriander or cilantro

Directions

1. 1

   Cook the shallots in butter until they are limp and soft.

2. 2

   Turn up the flame a bit and add the chicken. Cook quickly, browning on all sides.

3. 3

   When the chicken is cooked through, add the spices, ginger and garlic and stir for a few minutes.

4. 4

   Add some water according to your discretion. Add the tomato, set to simmer. Add lemon juice.

5. 5

   Add the cream, coriander, almonds, raisins, and simmer some more.

6. 6

   serve hot.