Butter Chicken

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
• 14 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 heaping tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 4 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 8 oz plain yogurt
• 1 heaping tsp tomato paste
• 6 chicken thighs, air-chilled, boneless, skinless (approx. 30 oz)
• 4 oz yellow onions, quartered
• 1 piece ginger (2 in.)
• 4 oz unsalted butter
  ή 4 oz ghee
• 8 oz tomatoes (fresh, halved or canned)
• 1 heaping tsp salt
• 20 curry leaves, (optional)
• 8 oz heavy whipping cream

Steamed Rice

• 8 oz basmati rice
• 35 oz water
• 10 sprigs cilantro, chopped, to garnish