“Aunty Meera Homestyle Butter Chicken”
Last Sunday afternoon was completely unexpected. I was sitting in the living room, scrolling through my phone, when suddenly the doorbell rang. Before I could even stand up, three of my very close friends walked in with big smiles. “Surprise!” they shouted. I wasn’t prepared at all — but their surprise visit instantly brightened the whole house.
After a few minutes, the usual gup-shup began. We talked about old school days, laughed at silly memories, and shared updates about life. In the middle of the conversation, one of them said, “Yaar, it’s been ages since we tasted something homemade… kuch special ho jaye?”
My mother, who had been listening from the kitchen, smiled and said, “Aaj tum sab ko ek asli Indian style ka khana khilati hoon.” She asked what we preferred, and before anyone could answer, another friend jumped in excitedly, “Aunty, Butter Chicken bana dein? Aap ke haath ka maza hi kuch aur hota hai!”
Ami laughed softly and agreed. “Theek hai, aaj Meera aunty ki special recipe try kartay hain.” Meera aunty was our old neighbor in Delhi, and her Butter Chicken recipe had become a family favorite over the years. It wasn’t restaurant-style, nor overloaded with cream — it tasted like something made with patience and pure love.
We all followed Ami into the kitchen like school kids. She began marinating the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili, turmeric, and a pinch of kasuri methi. The aroma hit immediately — warm, tangy, and comforting. One of my friends whispered, “Bas marination ki khushboo hi itni achi hai… khana to kamaal hoga.”
While the chicken rested, Ami heated butter in a pan. The moment cumin touched the hot butter, a nutty fragrance filled the entire house. The onions started turning soft and golden, and the sound of sizzling made everyone even hungrier. She added tomatoes, cooked them down slowly, and explained, “Butter Chicken ki jaan uska patience hai… jaldi mein yeh dish kabhi perfect nahi banti.”
When the chicken finally went into the pan, the whole atmosphere changed — the smell, the warmth, the laughter, everything blended perfectly, like a proper family moment. We all stood there watching as Ami stirred in the cream, letting the gravy turn thick, smooth, and buttery.
By the time it was ready, the sky had turned orange. We sat on the dining table, sharing naan, rice, stories, and lots of laughter. The first bite made everyone silent — that “wah!” type of silence. “Aunty, this tastes like old Delhi food,” one of them said sincerely. Ami smiled, “Good food is always about good company.”
Ingredients:
• 500 g boneless chicken (small pieces)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 tomatoes (blended)
• 2 onions (chopped)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• Coriander for garnish
How to Cook:
1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, chili, turmeric, ginger-garlic, and salt for 30 minutes.
2. Heat butter, add cumin and let it crackle.
3. Fry onions until golden and soft.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
5. Add marinated chicken and cook until tender.
6. Add cream and simmer on low flame for 5–7 minutes.
7. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with coriander.
8. Serve with naan or basmati rice.
