🧈🍗 Butter Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or turkey)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 1 ½ tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs

   • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, spices, salt, and cilantro.

   • Roll into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Cook Meatballs

   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Sear meatballs until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

   • In the same pan, melt butter. Add onions and sauté until golden.

   • Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

   • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and salt. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.

4. Finish the Dish

   • Stir in cream and mix well.

   • Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tender.

5. Serve

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

   • Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roti.