In the world of chicken recipes, the legacy of butter chicken reigns supreme. The succulence of chicken engulfed with the richness of butter and a creamy and tangy gravy has become a beloved indulgence and given Indian cuisine a new definition.
But at the helm of Indian cuisine, the love for butter goes far beyond this. From wholesome lentil soups to toothsome sweets, butter is incorporated into various dishes unimaginable. Every bite of these dishes is slathered with rich and creamy butter infused in every crevice.
These butter recipes are not for the health-conscious. If you absolutely love butter and want to take it to the next level, you have to try out these recipes. After trying these out, you will come across a world of overlapping flavour and texture and see how butter shines through with each and every flavour and texture.
These 7 Recipes Uses Butter Like Nothing Else
1) Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a Punjabi-origin dish made with black lentils or urad dal and infused with butter. According to history, this recipe was coined by the creators of butter chicken, who were looking for a vegetarian variation of the dish. The creaminess of mushy lentils is complemented with rich spices and slathered with butter, creating an indulging curry.
2) Paneer Butter Masala
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Paneer Butter Masala, or Paneer Makhani, is another North Indian delicacy that uses paneer instead of chicken. Originating in Delhi, this recipe is made by dunking chunks of paneer into the creamy tomato gravy. Gravy is cooked and smeared in butter, giving off a rich consistency. Kasuri methi garnish adds a delightful pungent hit to the dish.
3) Aloo Paratha
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Aloo Paratha is a potato-stuffed flatbread made in different parts of India with regional seasonings. This paratha is cooked on a griddle and brushed with lots of butter from both sides, making it highly calorific and immensely satisfying. For a healthier version, you can opt for less butter, but if you love butter, use it as much as you like.
4) Pav Bhaji
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Pav Bhaji is one of the beloved street foods in India, especially in Maharashtra. The fluffy pav bread is smeared in butter and fried on a griddle. In this dish, you will see butter used in almost every way. The mashed vegetable bhaji is also cooked in butter and topped with more butter while serving.
5) Makhani Chole
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Again, swapping chicken with something vegetarian, this recipe is made with boiled chickpeas and offers a wholesome feel in every bite. From base to gravy and garnish, every part is ladened with butter and covers the entire dish with soothing flavour. This dish is best served with freshly baked kulchas.
6) Moong Dal Halwa
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Immersed with dripping ghee in every spoonful, moong dal halwa is a popular Indian sweet made with green gram beans and lots of ghee or clarified butter. It is a winter special delight, especially eaten in the country's Northern region, and its warming and indulging flavour gives a pleasing bite. It is an extremely rewarding recipe, and you will fall in love with it again and again.
7) Makhan Mishri
Makhan Mishri is one of the most sacred recipes made with butter, and it is offered to Lord Krishna at the Janmashtami festival. Makhan is the natural, unprocessed version of butter filled with healthy fats and an extremely gratifying flavour. This dish consists of only two ingredients — makhan and mishri (sugar)— and it creates a perfect after-dinner delicacy.
The legacy of butter in Indian cuisine knows no bounds. In India, these recipes stand as a testament to the sheer indulgence that butter brings. If you really want to relish the true buttery indulgence, these recipes are a must-try for you.