Butter Chicken, or Butter Tofu

I have to admit, I have never been a huge fan of indian food, however it's growing on me. I was introduced to butter chicken through a recipe that my sister was given. After making it once, the whole family was hooked! I think we could eat it every day!

Usually we do eat it for about three days in a row, though switch it up a bit. The first day we eat butter chicken (or tofu as we are slowly becoming vegetarian) over basmati rice, with mango chutney, and poppadoms.

The next night we pick out most of the chicken (or tofu) and use it to make naan bread pizzas. We spread a bit of sauce on, then the chicken, some roasted garlic and top with parmesan cheese! Served with a green salad and it's an amazing dinner!

For our last night of butter chicken, we use whatever sauce and chicken that is leftover on top of pasta! Sometimes we use tortallini, and other times penne. We also saute some veggies to throw in the sauce as well ..... sometimes we have to blender the veggies to get the kids to eat them with the sauce though!

Here is the recipe so you too can eat it everyday ...... if so desired!

Boneless chicken or extra firm tofu

one lb. butter

two cans crushed tomatoes

ginger (about the size of a small egg)

whole garlic bulb (sometimes i use less)

an onion

garam masala

tandoori masala (sometimes I don't have this on hand, so just add more garam masala if you can't find it!)

juice of one lemon

one bunch of cilantro, chopped

heavy cream

salt and pepper to taste

Mince ginger, garlic and onions. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Saute ginger, garlic and onions until softened, about five minutes. Cube chicken or break up firm tofu and saute until browned. If using tofu, you can just skip the browning process and add the next ingredients right away. Once chicken is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, lemon juice, garam masala, and tandoori masala. Cook on medium-low for about two hours.

This is best if made the night before, or in the morning, so all the flavors meld together. Once you are ready to serve the butter chicken/tofu, add the heavy cream and chopped cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve over basmati rice!

Enjoy!!