Butter Chicken Meatball Delight

Description

The Butter Chicken Meatball Delight offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine, blending the creamy, spiced flavors of butter chicken with savory meatballs. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect meal for those seeking a comforting dinner that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Butter Chicken Base:
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• Half of an onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or a garlic paste
• A small piece of fresh ginger, grated or a ginger paste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes or plain tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water (more as needed later)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 20 ounces of cooked chicken or turkey meatballs (about 4 cups)
• To Finish:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (more to taste)
• To Serve:
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, or precooked rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Directions

1. Prepare the Rice

Begin by cooking the basmati rice according to the package directions to ensure it’s ready to serve with the meatballs.

2. Cook the Base

Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices until softened.

3. Simmer the Sauce

Add the tomatoes, water, salt, and sugar to the sautéed mixture. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Blend the Sauce

For a smooth sauce, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

5. Add the Meatballs

Return the pureed sauce to the pan, and stir in the cooked meatballs. Simmer with the cover on or maintain on low heat until meatballs are warmed through.

6. Finish with Cream and Butter

Incorporate the butter and heavy cream into the sauce for that rich, creamy texture, adjusting the amount to get the desired creaminess.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
• Freeze leftover meatballs and sauce separately from rice for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

The Butter Chicken Meatball Delight is a delicious, innovative dish that combines the aromatic and rich flavors of traditional butter chicken with hearty meatballs. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to individual tastes with slight adjustments to spice levels and creaminess. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its delectable flavors and appealing presentation.

Butter Chicken Meatball Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

The Butter Chicken Meatball Delight offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine, blending the creamy, spiced flavors of butter chicken with savory meatballs. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect meal for those seeking a comforting dinner that is both flavorful and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• Half of an onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or a garlic paste
• A small piece of fresh ginger, grated or a ginger paste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes or plain tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water (more as needed later)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 20 ounces of cooked chicken or turkey meatballs (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (more to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, or precooked rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Begin by cooking the basmati rice according to the package directions to ensure it’s ready to serve with the meatballs.
2. Cook the Base Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices until softened.
3. Simmer the Sauce Add the tomatoes, water, salt, and sugar to the sautéed mixture. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Blend the Sauce For a smooth sauce, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
5. Add the Meatballs Return the pureed sauce to the pan, and stir in the cooked meatballs. Simmer with the cover on or maintain on low heat until meatballs are warmed through.
6. Finish with Cream and Butter Incorporate the butter and heavy cream into the sauce for that rich, creamy texture, adjusting the amount to get the desired creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes