Can You Prepare Butter Chicken Ahead Of Time?
Indian curries are world-renowned for their creamy, spicy, and deeply-seasoned sauces. There are few problems a warm, rich bowl of curry cannot solve. There are dozens of Indian curries that are as diverse as the country itself, and you may have tried a few. But, do you really know what a curry is? Curry, according to Sukhi's, simply means "sauce or gravy." According to the site, "Curry is an Indian gravy or sauce that is used in tandem with meat, tofu, or vegetables."
For people not as familiar with Indian cuisine, your first introduction is probably chicken tikka masala or butter chicken. Butter chicken, according to Indian Healthy Recipes, is a milder curry "simmered in a spicy, aromatic, buttery and creamy tomato gravy." It is extremely popular, not only in India but across the globe. You may have found yourself attempting to prepare this dish at home, but did you know there's an easy tweak you can make to prepare it ahead of time?
The trick to planning ahead
There are a lot of variations and adjustments you can make with your butter chicken to make it perfect for you. Often, anything that saves us time when preparing a dish is a win. If you're planning on bringing the meal to a pot-luck or planning on serving it at a party, MasterClass has some tips. They say to prepare your sauce first one day in advance. Combine your tomato sauce, cream, and spices the day before serving, and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. Then, right before serving, bring the dish to room temperature and gently heat it before incorporating your butter and chicken.
The Daring Gourmet even recommends doing this every time you make the dish. They say, "Butter chicken only gets BETTER with time as the flavors develop. Make it, let cool completely, refrigerate, and enjoy it the next day for optimal flavor."
Try preparing your butter chicken a day ahead, and see if you notice a difference.