Balti Butter Chicken - cooking recipe

Ingredients
    1/2 cup plain yogurt, plus
    2 tablespoons plain yogurt
    2 ounces ground almonds
    1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
    1/4 teaspoon crushed bay leaf (crush to a powder or process in a coffee grinder before measuring)
    1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (do not omit these they are essential to the rich aroma)
    1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1 teaspoon garam masala
    4 green cardamom pods
    2 teaspoons turmeric (optional)
    1 teaspoon grated gingerroot (about a 1-inch piece, peeled)
    1 teaspoon grated garlic (2 cloves)
    1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
    1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
    2 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
    4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    2 medium onions, sliced
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup half-and-half
    fresh cilantro stem, to garnish
Preparation
    In a large zip top bag, combine the yogurt, ground almonds, spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and salt. Add the chicken, press out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Refrigerate 2-4 hours.
    Melt the butter and oil in your wok or saute pan. Saute the onions over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken mixture, including all the marinade. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Add half the cilantro.
    Pour in the half-and-half and stir well. Bring to a boil, then immediately switch off heat. Serve garnished with the remaining chopped cilantro and sprigs.

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