ASIAN CUISINE

Hello ladies and gents this is the viking telling you that today we are talking about 

INDIAN CUISINE 

Indian cuisine consists of a wide variety of regional and traditional cuisines native to the Indian subcontinent. Given the range of diversity in soil type, climate, culture, ethnic groups, and occupations, these cuisines vary substantially from each other and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Indian food is also heavily influenced by religion, in particular Hinduism, cultural choices and traditions. The cuisine is also influenced by centuries of Islamic rule, particularly the Mughal rule. Samosas and pilafs can be regarded as examples.

Historical events such as foreign invasions, trade relations, and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to this country. The Columbian discovery of the New World brought a number of new vegetables and fruit to India. A number of these such as the potato, tomatoes, chillies, peanuts, and Guava have become staples in many regions of India Indian cuisine has shaped the history of international relations; the spice trade between India and Europe was the primary catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery.

 Spices were bought from India and traded around Europe and Asia. Indian cuisine has influenced other cuisines across the world, especially those from Europe (especially Britain), the Middle East, Southern African, East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Mauritius, Fiji, Oceania, and the Caribbean.

BUTTER CHICKEN

Even though it's called "Butter Chicken" there isn't a lot of butter in this dish at all. It gets its name from the tender, buttery flavor of the chicken. This classic of Indian cooking isn't as spicy as some more well-known dishes from that part of the world (unless you adjust the spices accordingly), so may be appealing to those who prefer milder dishes, or for kids who are picky eaters.

Traditionally this recipe uses chicken breasts, but you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to make this dish, just be prepared to cook it a bit longer. As mentioned previously, compared to other Indian dishes, this one is quite mild. If you like curry powder, you can double the amount called for in the ingredient list. Add some turmeric or dry ginger if you'd like more color and spicy flavor.

Serve this recipe over hot cooked basmati rice to soak up the wonderful sauce. A crisp green salad or a fruit salad are good accompaniments. 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger root
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk

Steps to Make It

1. In a medium bowl, place the chicken pieces and sprinkle with lemon juice, olive oil, and 2 teaspoons curry powder. Toss to coat the chicken and set aside.
2. In a heavy skillet, cook onion, garlic, and ginger in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon curry powder, pepper, salt, tomato puree, and 2 tablespoons butter and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Stir the marinated chicken pieces into the sauce in the skillet. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 11 to 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165 F as tested with a meat thermometer. Stir in heavy cream or milk and serve Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice (basmati, if you can).
4. And season to taste. No recipe can be all things to all people. If you like mild dishes, reduce the curry powder. If you like it spicy, add more curry powder and think about adding jalapeño peppers or habanero peppers.

I hope you liked this post and as always have a chilled day from the viking