Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Made this tonight - a nice cold late fall day - fire going, perfect comfort food  night.  Had some chicken thighs in the freezer - and looked for recipes.  Came across this one on allrecipes.com.  Followed it pretty much to the letter - although I cooked the thighs in a 1.5 qt Le Creuset braiser - covered, for about 20 minutes.  Served it over risotto - REALLY tasty.  My first Indian food experiment, and I was very pleased with it!

Original recipe makes 4 servings

 1 tablespoon peanut oil
 1 shallot, finely chopped
 1/4 white onion, chopped
 2 tablespoons butter
 2 teaspoons lemon juice
 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
 1 teaspoon garam masala
 1 teaspoon chili powder
 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 1 bay leaf
 1/4 cup plain yogurt
 1 cup half-and-half
 1 cup tomato puree
 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
 1 pinch salt
 1 pinch black pepper

 1 tablespoon peanut oil
 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs ( I use 4)
 1 teaspoon garam masala
 1 pinch cayenne pepper
 1 tablespoon cornstarch
 1/4 cup water

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Saute shallot and onion until soft and translucent. Stir in butter, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat, and season with 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne. Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauce, and simmer until liquid has reduced, and chicken is no longer pink. Stir cooked chicken into sauce.

Mix together cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened

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