The Delicious Journey: Karma And The Art Of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a flavorful and popular dish in Indian cuisine. This delectable creation is characterized by its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces, marinated and cooked to perfection. But what most people don't know is that there's something deeper behind this mouthwatering dish – a concept that Indian philosophy holds dear: karma.

Karma, a Sanskrit word meaning "action" or "deed," represents the law of cause and effect. It is the belief that one's actions and intentions in this life will determine their fate in the next, both in this world and beyond. Indian culture is rooted in this principle, which extends to every aspect of life, including the food they consume.

The Origin of Butter Chicken

To explore the relationship between karma and butter chicken, we must understand its origins. Legend has it that this culinary marvel was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef from the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India, during the 1950s.

Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken: A novel

by Monica Bhide (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1675 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Butter chicken was born out of a desire to utilize leftover tandoori chicken, a dish traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. Kundan Lal Gujral ingeniously came up with a method to moisten the leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a sauce made from tomatoes, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. This created a rich and flavorful dish that quickly gained popularity not only in India but also internationally.

Karma and the Preparation of Butter Chicken

The preparation of butter chicken involves skill, patience, and dedication – all qualities that reflect the concept of karma. With every step, from marinating the chicken to simmering the ingredients, the cook puts their heart and soul into the creation of this culinary masterpiece.

The first step in preparing butter chicken is to marinate the chicken in a yogurt-based mixture, along with a blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. This process requires careful attention to ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in succulent and flavorful chicken.

Once marinated, the chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, which imparts a smoky flavor and tenderness to the dish. However, modern adaptations use a skillet or oven for convenience. The chicken is cooked until it is perfectly tender, retaining its juiciness and enhanced flavors.

While the chicken is cooking, the butter chicken sauce, also known as makhani sauce, is prepared. This sauce is the heart of the dish, combining tomatoes, butter, cream, and a variety of spices. The cook carefully simmers the ingredients, allowing them to meld together and develop a rich and velvety texture. This step requires precision and patience, as the flavors develop gradually, resulting in a harmonious blend of spices and creaminess.

Karma on the Plate: Butter Chicken Taste and Experience

As the perfectly cooked chicken is immersed in the luscious makhani sauce, the flavors and aromas blend seamlessly, creating a taste that is nothing short of divine. The butter chicken is then served with naan, a traditional Indian bread, or steamed rice, further enhancing the overall experience.

When you take a bite of butter chicken, you not only experience the explosion of flavors but also become a part of the karma associated with the dish. The chef's dedication, expertise, and passion manifest themselves in every bite, making it an unforgettable experience for all food enthusiasts.

Karma Beyond the Plate

In Indian philosophy, karma extends beyond the plate. The interplay between actions, intentions, and consequences shapes our lives in ways we may not always comprehend. The act of bringing joy and satisfaction through a dish like butter chicken exemplifies the positive cycle of karma – the more positive actions we engage in, the more positive outcomes we may receive.

Karma and The Art of Butter Chicken enlightens us about the profound connection between food, philosophy, and life itself. It reminds us to appreciate the culinary creations that not only please our taste buds but also nourish our soul.

Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken: A novel

by Monica Bhide (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1675 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Raised by Buddhist monks in Delhi after his mother’s untimely and tragic death, Eshaan sets out on the challenging quest to feed and nourish the hungry so they do not suffer her same fate. His attempts to achieve this monumental goal are constantly thwarted. And when his former girlfriend returns from Europe with a handsome fiancé in tow, his life becomes even more complicated.A sliver of hope appears in the form of a local TV cooking competition. Winning would offer the solution to all his problems: money for his mission and the chance to impress the girl he loves. But to win this competition, Eshaan first must face a secret that has the potential to destroy his life and his dreams.Can a young life that has been defined by a crisis ever really thrive? Will Eshaan’s pain-filled spirit ever hear the songs of salvation that the Universe sings for him, or will his demons ultimately win?Celebrated food writer Monica Bhide dishes up a page-turning story of sacrifice, determination, and an honest exploration of the human spirit. Set in contemporary India and seasoned with gentle love, dramatic loss, enchanting poetic verse, and exotic food, Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken will take you to a place where past and present keep uneasy yet delicious company.The cover photograph is by the talented and award-winning photographer, Simi Jois.