Tastes and Toasts Episode 2, my Butter Chicken and a Vinho Verde Rosé

Watch me make butter chicken and learn about this yummy wine

‘Tis the season for comfort food. My butter chicken recipe is super easy- especially if you are a slow cooker user. Only one thing to clean. Well, the rice maker also- but that is super easy.

In true Kate fashion, my butter chicken recipe is my version. Now, the thing is, you can change up the spices, add some, or take some away. It will still be good unless you struggle with cooking. If that is the case, then follow it exactly. But cooking, unlike baking, focuses on taste rather than science. This should be fun, not stressful. Taste as you go.

The recipe

• 1 stick salted butter (1/4 pound)

• 1 chopped onion

• 4 chopped garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1/2 tbsp grated turmeric

• 2 chicken breasts or 4 chicken cutlets

• 1 cup whole milk (half and half or greek yogurt)

• 1/4 wine (rosé or white)

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 3 tbsp masala spice

• 1/2 tsp serrano powder (can omit this or double the cayenne)

• 1/2 tsp cayenne powder

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tbsp onion powder

• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp asafoetida/ hing (can omit if you don't have)

• 1 tsp ground coriander

Instructions

1. in a slow cooker or pot, melt the butter on medium heat

2. add in onions, turmeric, ginger and garlic, sauté for about 5 minutes

3. turn heat to low and add in the rest of the spices

4. add diced tomatoes and wine, stir well

5. add in milk (half and half or yogurt)

6. add in chicken and cover

7. cook on low 3-4 hours in slow cooker, 2 hours low heat on stove top, make sure to check every hour and if the sauce is too reduced add 1/4 cup of chicken stock

8. serve over Basmati rice or with naan

The wine

Quinta de Lourosa Vinho Verde Rosé

This wine was perfect to enjoy while cooking this meal. It is light, refreshing, and lower in alcohol to enjoy during the day with or without food (or while cooking- like me). With gorgeous hints of floral, wild strawberries, tart cherries and some saline on the finish it makes for a perfect rosé. It pairs well with grilled sardines and tuna pâté. If you don't like seafood, don't worry. It's also great with grilled chicken, hummus, spanakopita, and soft cheeses. Don’t forget salad and sushi as well- basically it pairs with a ton of delicious food.

The rosé is made from a blend of touriga nacional and vinhão. Two wonderful native grapes that were grown in the Vinho Verde region in northern Portugal in granite soil. The vineyard is located 40km from Porto in a beautiful area with rolling hills and valleys. Like many wineries in Portugal they offer various tasting experiences and even have accommodation. If you ever are in Portugal, I recommend checking them out and doing a tasting with them. You won’t regret it.

You can purchase this wine through YonWine.com.

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Happy Holidays to all of my subscribers- you all make me so excited to share my love of Portuguese wines with you. I truly appreciate your support. Cheers to happy and healthy holiday season! Feel free to comment below and let me know what delicious wines you are enjoying in the coming weeks!