Butter Chicken recipe and a dash of self-care & self-love
November 10, 2016
Recently, my sister who lives in Sydney posted a photograph of what she had cooked for dinner on Facebook. It was Butter Chicken. How coincidental, I thought, that is what I’m cooking for dinner tonight. So later, I posted a photo of my Butter Chicken (the photo in the recipe below) and tagged her saying “Guess what’s for dinner here tonight. Great minds! ” After some discussion we realised that we had both cooked the same recipe, given to us by Mum (original source unknown). This is a really easy recipe and one that is a family favourite ‘comfort food’ kind of dinner and low in calories too, so I thought I’d share it with you. You’re welcome!
Butter Chicken
2016-11-07 14:25:31
Serves 5
Family Favourite 'Comfort Food' (but low calorie) Dinner
800g chicken breast fillets (or use thigh fillets if you prefer)
1 onion diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp tumeric
1 tsp dried coriander
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp chicken stock powder
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornflour
375ml can Evaporated Light Milk
Instructions
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces
Spray cooking spray in pan
Saute chicken, onion, garlic and ginger until chicken is just cooked
Add spices and stock powder and combine
Add tomato paste, stir and combine
When chicken is looking cooked - blend cornflour with milk and add to pan
Stir, bringing to boil to thicken
Turn heat down to simmer until ready to serve
Serve with Basmati rice
Notes
I use Nestle Carnation Light & Creamy Evaporated Milk
By Original Author Unknown
Write of the Middle https://writeofthemiddle.com/
…and a dash of Self-Care & Self-Love…
I’ve been participating in an Instagram Challenge #30daysofselfcareandlove run by Deb of Inner Compass Designs and I’m really enjoying it! Are you participating too? You can do the whole 30 days or just participate here and there when you want to. In the spirit of #lovinlife I’d thought I’d share the pics I’ve contributed in the challenge so far. Hover over images to see the ‘prompt’ word. Click on the image to see at full size and to read in full the words of explanation that accompany them. Note that Day 7 will be posted after the gallery below because it is a video.
Day 1 – NEW – new home office in oak and white, creating a more peaceful and organised space for me to work in
Day 2 – LOVE – Something that adds to my levels of self care and self love is a weekend escape from the rat race to a country cottage set in beautiful nature. This one is in the Byron Bay hinterland and I hope to get back there for another stay one day soon!
Day 3 – OUTSIDE – had some errands to run today so I took the opportunity while I was out to spend some time ‘outside’ in nature walking by the bay. It’s so uplifting and reviving!
Day 4 – TOUCH/FEEL – Afternoon coffee sitting on the side of the pool with my feet dangling in the water. The sensation of the water is calming and relaxing! BTW my nail polish is red, not black as it looks in this monochrome conversion!
Day 5 – SMELL/SCENT – Those that know me, know that for some unknown reason, I don’t have a sense of smell. Apart from experiencing what I think is the ‘smell’ of petrol at a service station and once ‘smelling’ burnt popcorn (I think) I cannot smell anything – not flowers, not perfume, nothing! So this prompt is a tough one for me. However, I decided on this Valentino Eau de Parfum that my daughter brought back for me from Paris when she was overseas early in the year. I can’t smell it but I always get compliments when I wear it, therefore I love it. I also love it because of it being a kind and thoughtful gift from my daughter!
DAY 6 – TASTE – Even more than savouring this lovely salad, I am savouring the fact I am out to lunch with family celebrating my Dad’s 86th birthday – particularly after him having a health scare and 4 weeks in hospital a few months ago. So grateful to be celebrating this birthday with him. It makes the food and wine taste all that more magnificent!
Day 8 – LOOK/WATCH – In a very similar vein to my video for yesterday’s prompt word of ‘listen’, and like the photographer captured in this image, my very favourite thing to look at and watch is nature and in particular sunrises and sunsets. This is a sunrise as seen from Pandanus Beach at Wynnum. I feel such awe and peace watching the sun rise and it makes me feel happy! Every time the sky looks different. It’s my adult version of an exciting lucky dip.
Day 9 – READ – ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle, the book that helped me when I needed help and that has forever changed my way of thinking. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you do.
Today’s prompt word is ’10 o’clock’. What will you be doing at 10 o’clock? What have you been doing in the way of self-care and self-love lately? Tell me, are you a fan of Butter Chicken?
That butter chicken looks awesome Min. So pleased to see you doing some “self love” things. Thanks for the reminder – I need to do a few more for myself too x #TeamLovinLife
The Butter Chicken recipe is really yum Lyndall – a great low cal version! I’m enjoying the Insta challenge. It’s always good to take care of ourselves! π xo
Wow, some stunning pics there Min and I love the butter chicken recipe. I used to have a fave place I’d get Indian when I lived in Brisbane but not really had it much recently. I do find – however – it’s easier to make than Thai or Chinese and get it tasting closer to the authentic thing!
Thanks Deb! The BC recipe is a great low cal version and really quick and easy to make. I love Indian food!! A lot of it is SO fattening though! Yes I think it’s much easier than Thai or Chinese and easier to get it tasting authentic.
Is there a little family competition about who cooks the best Butter Chicken?? LOL. I love love this idea of self care and love. I am joining (even though late) and will do a quick catch up.
LOL not really though she did comment that mine looked saucier than hers! haha It did reduce down a bit further after cooking a little longer though. That’ll be awesome to see you joining in on the Insta challenge. Doesn’t matter if you’re late & you can do as much or as little as you please. xo
I don’t normally cook Butter Chicken because I thought it was too high in fat, however this version using light Carnation milk looks like a low fat option so I must try it. I have taken part in photo challenges previously and they are a great way to make you more mindful of your surrounds. Your photos are fabulous. Lately I have been trying to get my health and self care back on track after abusing my body for a while. That’s what a busy life does to you sometimes!
It’s a really yum low cal alternative Kathy! I’m enjoying doing Deb’s photo challenge. It’s been ages since I’ve done one. You’re right too – I always find taking photographs and keeping an awareness through the day of appropriate subjects to photograph really encourage mindfulness. I’ve been focussing on getting my health and self care on track too! I sure do know what a busy life can do to you. Hope you’re feeling in tip top form real soon! π xo
This looks like a fabulous version of Butter Chicken, which like Kathy I don’t normally cook because it seems very high in calories. But your version not only looks delicious, but not high in fat, and the best plus … not too tricky to make! So I shall definitely bookmark this page for dinner at the weekend π I love the self care challenge you’ve been involved in – it made me stop and think. Your photos and captions are lovely. #teamlovinlife
It’s a fab version Jo for when you’re watching calories and tastes delicious plus is easy to throw together. Glad you like my photo’s for the challenge – it’s been fun! I’m really enjoying it. π xo
I don’t think I’ve ever had butter chicken! I’m not good with curries and the like – my nose and eyes stream even with the mildest, and I must have very sensitive taste buds because even soft drink burns! I do make a chettinad chicken curry which has some similar ingredients, but I cut back to only 1/2 teasp each of the spices because I’m such a sook π
Oh Janet!! Dare you to give this recipe a go. It’s not too hot and spicy and besides if you cook it yourself you can control that yourself (eg. reduce the 1/8 tsp of chilli powder or leave it out if you prefer). It is SO yummy – bet you’d love it! π #TeamLovinLife
I remember reading the Power of Now while sitting on a rock next to the ocean and that feeling of being in the NOW made it seem as though the ocean had literally entered my body and hugged me. It was the oddest yet most powerful experience. Weird but true. I then went back to the house and wrote a book! In one sitting. Just wrote a children’s book because it had awakened the creativity inside me.
#TeamLovinLife
I know that feeling well Leanne. I experienced something similar when I first read the book. Unfortunately I didn’t get the burst of creativity to go with it though! lol
My husband is a big fan of butter chicken – I’m not a very adventurous eater – so he saves it as his treat for when we eat out! Thanks for hosting – love this linky π
Butter chicken is pretty much a staple in this house (well this low cal version anyway) – not adventurous at all! lol I’m so glad you love the linky Leanne. Hope to see you again next week! π xo
Delicious recipe Min which I will be trying out and I just love the pictures of the Instagram Self Love challenge what a great idea! Thanks for hosting the link up and see you next week.
Hope you love the recipe Sue. I’m pretty sure you will! Yes – great challenge by Deb. I’m really enjoying it. The whole of #TeamLovinLife is lovin’ and enjoyin’ hosting this link up so much. Look forward to seeing you again next week! π xo
Hope you enjoy it Seona! It’s a way to be able to have what it commonly thought of as a ‘fattening’ meal. This low cal version is still really yummy! π xo
26 Comments
That butter chicken looks awesome Min. So pleased to see you doing some “self love” things. Thanks for the reminder – I need to do a few more for myself too x #TeamLovinLife
The Butter Chicken recipe is really yum Lyndall – a great low cal version! I’m enjoying the Insta challenge. It’s always good to take care of ourselves! π xo
Wow, some stunning pics there Min and I love the butter chicken recipe. I used to have a fave place I’d get Indian when I lived in Brisbane but not really had it much recently. I do find – however – it’s easier to make than Thai or Chinese and get it tasting closer to the authentic thing!
Thanks Deb! The BC recipe is a great low cal version and really quick and easy to make. I love Indian food!! A lot of it is SO fattening though! Yes I think it’s much easier than Thai or Chinese and easier to get it tasting authentic.
Is there a little family competition about who cooks the best Butter Chicken?? LOL. I love love this idea of self care and love. I am joining (even though late) and will do a quick catch up.
LOL not really though she did comment that mine looked saucier than hers! haha It did reduce down a bit further after cooking a little longer though. That’ll be awesome to see you joining in on the Insta challenge. Doesn’t matter if you’re late & you can do as much or as little as you please. xo
I haven’t had butter chicken in ages, think I might just try your recipe!
Give it a try Anne – you’ll love it and it’s low cal! Winner! π xo
I don’t normally cook Butter Chicken because I thought it was too high in fat, however this version using light Carnation milk looks like a low fat option so I must try it. I have taken part in photo challenges previously and they are a great way to make you more mindful of your surrounds. Your photos are fabulous. Lately I have been trying to get my health and self care back on track after abusing my body for a while. That’s what a busy life does to you sometimes!
It’s a really yum low cal alternative Kathy! I’m enjoying doing Deb’s photo challenge. It’s been ages since I’ve done one. You’re right too – I always find taking photographs and keeping an awareness through the day of appropriate subjects to photograph really encourage mindfulness. I’ve been focussing on getting my health and self care on track too! I sure do know what a busy life can do to you. Hope you’re feeling in tip top form real soon! π xo
This looks like a fabulous version of Butter Chicken, which like Kathy I don’t normally cook because it seems very high in calories. But your version not only looks delicious, but not high in fat, and the best plus … not too tricky to make! So I shall definitely bookmark this page for dinner at the weekend π I love the self care challenge you’ve been involved in – it made me stop and think. Your photos and captions are lovely. #teamlovinlife
It’s a fab version Jo for when you’re watching calories and tastes delicious plus is easy to throw together. Glad you like my photo’s for the challenge – it’s been fun! I’m really enjoying it. π xo
Loving having you joining in with the challenge min with all your gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing it around. Xxx
Thank you Deb! My pleasure – I love to share! π xo
I don’t think I’ve ever had butter chicken! I’m not good with curries and the like – my nose and eyes stream even with the mildest, and I must have very sensitive taste buds because even soft drink burns! I do make a chettinad chicken curry which has some similar ingredients, but I cut back to only 1/2 teasp each of the spices because I’m such a sook π
Oh Janet!! Dare you to give this recipe a go. It’s not too hot and spicy and besides if you cook it yourself you can control that yourself (eg. reduce the 1/8 tsp of chilli powder or leave it out if you prefer). It is SO yummy – bet you’d love it! π #TeamLovinLife
I remember reading the Power of Now while sitting on a rock next to the ocean and that feeling of being in the NOW made it seem as though the ocean had literally entered my body and hugged me. It was the oddest yet most powerful experience. Weird but true. I then went back to the house and wrote a book! In one sitting. Just wrote a children’s book because it had awakened the creativity inside me.
#TeamLovinLife
I know that feeling well Leanne. I experienced something similar when I first read the book. Unfortunately I didn’t get the burst of creativity to go with it though! lol
My husband is a big fan of butter chicken – I’m not a very adventurous eater – so he saves it as his treat for when we eat out! Thanks for hosting – love this linky π
Butter chicken is pretty much a staple in this house (well this low cal version anyway) – not adventurous at all! lol I’m so glad you love the linky Leanne. Hope to see you again next week! π xo
Delicious recipe Min which I will be trying out and I just love the pictures of the Instagram Self Love challenge what a great idea! Thanks for hosting the link up and see you next week.
Hope you love the recipe Sue. I’m pretty sure you will! Yes – great challenge by Deb. I’m really enjoying it. The whole of #TeamLovinLife is lovin’ and enjoyin’ hosting this link up so much. Look forward to seeing you again next week! π xo
I’m going to try that recipe- my daughter is a real sucker for butter chicken. Snap! π
Hope you and your daughter love it Jo! (haha love the snap) π xo
Wow – this looks absolutely amazing Min. Copying now! x
Hope you enjoy it Seona! It’s a way to be able to have what it commonly thought of as a ‘fattening’ meal. This low cal version is still really yummy! π xo