Succulent Pork Butter Chicken: A Fusion Recipe Delight

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs of boneless pork chops
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons of garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of curry powder
  • 1 can of tomato sauce (14 oz)
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon
  • 2 cups of cooked basmati rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  3. Add the pork chops to the pan and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry powder to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to toast and become fragrant.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Return the pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
  9. Serve the pork over cooked basmati rice and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for slicing the pork chops and mincing garlic.
  • Large pan - Used for browning the pork chops and making the sauce.
  • Spatula - Needed for flipping and removing the pork chops from the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the spices and salt.
  • Can opener - Required to open the can of tomato sauce.
  • Lemon squeezer - Used to extract the juice from the lemon.
  • Spoon or whisk - Needed for stirring the sauce and combining the ingredients.
  • Cooking pot - Required for cooking the basmati rice.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the pork chops with boneless chicken thighs or breast.
  • Use tofu or paneer as a vegetarian alternative to the meat.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Experiment with different spices or spice blends to customize the flavor profile.
  • Make it spicier by adding chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Marinate the meat or tofu in a yogurt-based marinade for added tenderness and flavor.
  • Grill the meat or tofu instead of cooking it in a pan for a smoky flavor.
  • Serve the dish with naan bread or roti instead of rice.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

This Pork Butter Chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish. Instead of chicken, we use succulent pork chops, marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. The result is a rich and flavorful meal that's sure to impress. Expect to spend about an hour from start to finish, most of which is hands-off simmering time. Pair this dish with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is perfect for a cosy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy the journey of making this recipe and savor the incredible flavors. Bon appétit!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, you can use boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin as an alternative to boneless pork chops.
  2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative? Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, although the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
  3. Can I make this recipe spicy? Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce while cooking.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pork butter chicken ahead of time. Simply store the cooked pork and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce and pork separately before serving, then combine and simmer until heated through.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the pork butter chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  6. What can I serve with this dish? Pork butter chicken pairs well with basmati rice as a traditional choice. You can also serve it with naan bread or roti to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can complete the meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing the pork chops and other ingredients.
  • Large Pan - A pan large enough to accommodate the pork chops and sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the spices.
  • Can Opener - A can opener to open the tomato sauce can.
  • Spatula - A spatula for flipping and removing the pork chops from the pan.
  • Lemon Squeezer - A tool to easily extract the juice from the lemon.
  • Garnish Tool - A tool for chopping the cilantro for garnishing the dish.
  • Serving Platter - A platter or dish for serving the cooked pork butter chicken.

Origin stories

Pork Butter Chicken is a delightful twist on the renowned Indian dish known as Butter Chicken. Traditional Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in the vibrant city of Delhi, in the 1950s. The creation is attributed to Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of Moti Mahal Restaurant. The story goes that Gujral decided to make use of leftover chicken in a rich, buttery and creamy tomato gravy to minimize waste. The dish was an instant success and has since been enjoyed globally. Our Pork Butter Chicken recipe takes inspiration from this culinary triumph, substitifying chicken with pork, adding a unique spin to a beloved classic. Though not traditional, this fusion dish represents the ongoing evolution and adaptability of Indian cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.