Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce: Recipe, Tips, and Secrets

Butter chicken is a globally adored dish known for its rich, creamy sauce that perfectly balances tangy tomatoes with warm spices and velvety butter. While the dish itself is popular, the real star of the show is the butter chicken simmer sauce. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, making this sauce at home can transform your meals, giving you a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.

What is Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce?

Butter chicken simmer sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that is used as the base for the popular Indian dish, butter chicken (also known as murgh makhani). This sauce is characterized by its vibrant orange color, smooth texture, and a perfect blend of tomatoes, cream, butter, and a variety of aromatic spices.

While butter chicken is typically made by simmering marinated chicken in this sauce, the sauce itself is incredibly versatile. You can use it with vegetables, paneer, tofu, or even pasta to create a delicious, comforting meal.

History and Origins

Butter chicken simmer sauce originated in Delhi, India, during the 1950s at a restaurant called Moti Mahal. The story goes that the restaurant’s chefs needed to use up leftover tandoori chicken and came up with a sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and cream to keep the chicken moist. The result was the creation of butter chicken, with its rich, creamy sauce becoming the highlight of the dish. Over the years, this sauce has evolved and spread across the world, becoming a staple in Indian cuisine and beyond.

Essential Ingredients for Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce Recipe

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore the essential ingredients you’ll need to create an authentic butter chicken simmer sauce:

1. Tomatoes

Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the base of this sauce. They provide the tangy, slightly sweet flavor that is balanced by the other ingredients. Canned tomatoes or tomato puree can also be used for convenience.

2. Butter

Butter is a key ingredient that gives the sauce its name. It adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce.

3. Cream

Heavy cream or full-fat cream is used to create the luxurious, velvety texture that defines this sauce. It also helps to mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes.

4. Spices

A blend of spices is crucial for achieving the authentic flavor. Key spices include:

• Garam Masala: A mix of ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
• Turmeric: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and the vibrant yellow-orange color.
• Cumin: Provides a deep, slightly nutty flavor.
• Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet note.
• Red Chili Powder: Provides heat and enhances the color of the sauce.
• Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi): Adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sauce.

5. Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger paste are essential for adding depth and complexity to the sauce. They provide a fragrant base that complements the spices.

6. Onions

Finely chopped onions are sautéed until golden brown, adding sweetness and body to the sauce.

7. Yogurt (Optional)

Some recipes include a small amount of yogurt for added tanginess and creaminess.

8. Honey or Sugar

A touch of sweetness is often added to balance the tangy tomatoes and the heat from the spices.

How to Make Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 2 cups pureed tomatoes (or canned tomato puree)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté the Onions:

Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This process can take about 10 minutes, and it’s essential for building the flavor base of the sauce.

Add Garlic and Ginger:

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture is fragrant.

Incorporate the Spices:

Lower the heat slightly and add the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder to the onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors. Be careful not to burn the spices.

Add the Tomatoes:

Pour in the pureed tomatoes and mix well with the spices and onion mixture. Cook the tomatoes for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes. This step is crucial for reducing the tomatoes’ acidity and deepening the flavor.

Simmer with Cream:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Fenugreek Leaves and Sweetener:

Crush the fenugreek leaves between your palms and sprinkle them into the sauce. Add honey or sugar if using, and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.

Final Touches:

Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer until it thickens.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. The butter chicken simmer sauce is now ready to be used. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce

1. Use Fresh Ingredients:

Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and ginger make a significant difference in the flavor of your sauce. If you’re using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality brands for the best results.

2. Balance the Flavors:

The key to a great butter chicken sauce is balance. Taste as you go and adjust the spices, cream, and sweetener to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors.

3. Don’t Rush the Cooking Process:

Take your time when cooking the onions and tomatoes. Properly caramelized onions and reduced tomatoes are essential for developing the rich, complex flavors of the sauce.

4. Make in Batches:

This sauce freezes well, so consider making a large batch and storing it in portions for quick and easy meals later.

5. Experiment with Variations:

While this recipe is a classic version, feel free to experiment with other ingredients like coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Final Thoughts

Butter chicken simmer sauce is more than just a component of a popular dish—it’s a flavorful, versatile sauce that can enhance a variety of meals. By following this guide, you can master the art of making butter chicken simmer sauce at home, tailoring it to your taste and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this sauce is sure to impress with its rich, creamy texture and perfect balance of spices. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques, and enjoy the process of creating a sauce that’s truly your own.