Skip to main content

Yule Log Cake

  Ingredients For the Sponge Cake: 4 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for egg whites) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt For the Filling: 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled 2 tbsp powdered sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting: 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1 tsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine) For Decoration (Optional): Powdered sugar (for "snow") Chocolate shavings, berries, or sprigs of rosemary (for a festive touch) Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch (25x38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Whip the Egg Yolks : In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale y...

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

 

Butter Chicken 

Description:
A creamy and flavorful dish, Butter Chicken is a classic Indian recipe that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with warm spices and a touch of butter for a luscious finish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil (optional)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a lighter version)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance the tanginess of tomatoes)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
    • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for the best flavor).
  2. Cook the Chicken:

    • Preheat a grill or use a stovetop pan. Lightly oil the grill or pan and cook the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce:

    • In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
    • Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
    • Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  4. Blend the Sauce:

    • Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
    • Return the blended sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked chicken and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  5. Finish the Dish:

    • Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add sugar if the sauce is too tangy.
  6. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream, if desired.
    • Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Suji Halwa – Indian Semolina Dessert

  Suji Halwa – Indian Semolina Dessert Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (suji) 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 2 cups water or milk (or a mix of both) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder A handful of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios), chopped A few raisins (optional) A pinch of saffron strands (optional) 1 tablespoon rose water (optional) Instructions: 1. Roast the Semolina: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the semolina and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. 2. Prepare the Liquid: In a separate pot, boil water or milk (or both). If using saffron, add it to the boiling liquid to release its color and flavor. 3. Combine Semolina and Liquid: Gradually pour the hot liquid into the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the semolina absorbs the liqu...

Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Dessert

  Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Dessert Ingredients: 4 cups grated carrots (preferably red or orange) 1 cup full-fat milk 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder A handful of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped A few raisins (optional) 1 tablespoon khoya (optional, for richness) Instructions: 1. Cook the Grated Carrots: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften and change color. 2. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook until the milk reduces and thickens (about 15-20 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. 3. Add Sugar: Once the milk has thickened, add the sugar and mix well. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens again. 4. Add Ghee and Flavorings: Stir in the remaining ghee and cardamo...