Nightshade-free Butter Chicken
A Nightshade-free Take on a Classic Curry
Curries are one of the toughest types of dish to find if you're avoiding nightshades. They're generally cooked in sauces prepared in advance with tomato and chilli, so it can be almost impossible to find a curry you can enjoy if nightshades cause you problems.
That's why I created this nightshade-free version of a classic favourite: butter chicken.
This nightshade-free butter chicken recipe offers all the rich, creamy goodness of the traditional dish without any of the nightshade ingredients. With a blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce made from scratch, it's a comforting and flavourful alternative.
Perfect for those avoiding tomatoes, chillies and other nightshades, this dish still delivers the delicious taste you love, with a few simple substitutions to keep it safe and satisfying.
Ingredients:
500g of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1 tsp of ginger paste
1 tsp of garlic paste
1 tsp of cumin powder
1 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of garam masala (check it’s nightshade-free or make your own)
1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tbsp of tamarind paste
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of ghee or clarified butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for garnish
Method:
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, tamarind paste, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Heat ghee or clarified butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the butter chicken over rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, with sides like naan bread and nightshade-free nectarine chutney.
© Nightshade Free Life