Venice is definitely a city for one's bucket list

 

Here's a delightful fusion recipe combining Indian Butter Chicken with American Macaroni and Cheese for a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish.

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For the Indian Butter Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Cook the Spices:

   • In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the heavy cream and yogurt, stirring until smooth. Add sugar and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken with steamed rice or naan bread.

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For the American Macaroni and Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the Cheese:

   • Lower the heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine with Macaroni:

   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. If desired, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the rich, flavorful butter chicken for a unique fusion meal.

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Serving Suggestion:

This fusion of Indian Butter Chicken and American Macaroni and Cheese creates a creamy, comforting combination that’s both hearty and flavorful. The rich and spicy butter chicken pairs perfectly with the cheesy, indulgent macaroni and cheese. Together, they bring the best of both Indian and American cuisine in a single dish, making for a deliciously unique meal that your guests will love!