Butter Chicken Masala

Here's a recipe for **Butter Chicken Masala**, a rich and creamy North Indian dish that's full of flavor:

### Ingredients:
#### For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil

#### For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or fresh cream
- 2 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Water as needed

### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, and oil.
2. Add the chicken cubes and coat them well with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

#### Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan or grill pan.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides and almost cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Masala Sauce
1. In the same pan, melt the butter and add 1 tbsp oil to prevent it from burning.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Add the red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir well.
6. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.

#### Step 4: Combine Chicken with Masala Sauce
1. Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce.
2. Stir well and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream and kasuri methi, and mix well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

#### Step 5: Garnish and Serve
1. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Enjoy your delicious **Butter Chicken Masala**!