Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this butter chicken meatball delight, blending Indian spices and comforting textures. Juicy meatballs swimming in rich, creamy sauce promise a delectable journey that satisfies deep cravings and transports you to flavor paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 20 ounces (567 grams) cooked chicken or turkey meatballs
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) basmati rice, or precooked rice
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Vegetables, Liquids, and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or garlic paste
- 1 small piece fresh ginger, grated or ginger paste
- 1 (14-ounce/400 grams) can crushed tomatoes or plain tomato sauce
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Craft perfectly seasoned basmati rice according to package guidelines, ensuring fluffy and fragrant grains are ready for serving.
- In a spacious skillet, warm the oil over medium temperature, gently sautéing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and aromatic spices until they release their enticing fragrance and soften.
- Pour ripe tomatoes, water, salt, and a hint of sugar into the sautéed base, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Transform the simmered sauce into a silky-smooth consistency by carefully transferring to a blender or using an immersion blender, creating a velvety texture that coats the meatballs beautifully.
- Reintroduce the pureed sauce to the pan, delicately nestling the pre-cooked meatballs into the rich liquid, and let them warm through on low heat, covered, ensuring they absorb the complex flavors.
- Elevate the sauce’s luxurious profile by stirring in cold butter and heavy cream, creating a luscious, indulgent finish that adds depth and richness to the entire dish.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Create meatballs and sauce components in advance to streamline dinner preparation and maximize flavor development.
- Spice Management: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing garam masala and chili powder to match personal heat preferences.
- Sauce Consistency: Control thickness by adding water gradually or simmering longer to achieve desired sauce texture without compromising taste.
- Dairy Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt for lighter version or dietary accommodations.
- Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring meatballs remain tender when reheated gently.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or garnish with fresh cilantro for enhanced dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg