How to Pronounce makhonee

Meaning and Context

Makhonee, more accurately known as Makhani, is a foundational and beloved sauce in North Indian cuisine, renowned for its luxuriously rich, creamy, and mildly tangy flavor profile. The name directly translates from Hindi as "buttery," a descriptor that perfectly captures its velvety texture and indulgent character. The classic base is built from a puree of tomatoes, butter (traditionally makhan or white butter), and cream, which is then gently simmered with a fragrant blend of spices like garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color, fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), and garlic-ginger paste. This versatile sauce is most famously the star of the globally popular dish Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani), but it also forms the exquisite foundation for Paneer Makhani and can be adapted for vegetables or lentils. Its widespread appeal lies in its harmonious balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice, making it a quintessential example of Indian restaurant-style curry that is both comforting and sophisticated. The cooking process often involves techniques like dum cooking (slow simmering) to deepen the flavors, and the final dish is typically finished with a generous swirl of fresh cream and butter, solidifying its status as a creamy tomato curry of the highest order.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary and correct transliteration from Hindi is "Makhani" (मक्खनी). "Makhonee" represents a common phonetic misspelling or Anglicization, likely arising from how the word is pronounced in English-speaking contexts. Other frequent misspellings and variations include "Makhanee," "Makhni," and "Makani." The error of writing "Makhonee" often leads to related typos for the iconic dish, resulting in incorrect forms like "Butter Chicken Makhonee" or "Chicken Makhonee" instead of the correct "Murgh Makhani" or "Chicken Makhani." It is also sometimes mistakenly conflated with "Kadhai" or "Tikka Masala" sauces, which have distinct ingredient bases and preparation methods. When searching for authentic recipes or menu items, using the correct spelling "Makhani" is crucial for accurate results.

Example Sentences

The secret to an authentic makhani sauce lies in slowly simmering the tomato puree until it loses its raw acidity and develops a natural sweetness.

For a truly decadent weeknight meal, I prepared paneer makhani by simmering soft cheese cubes in the silky, aromatic sauce.

Many home cooks achieve the signature rich texture of a butter chicken gravy by blending cashews or almonds into the creamy tomato base.

While the restaurant version is indulgent, you can create a lighter makhani curry at home by reducing the butter and using yogurt in place of some of the cream.

The chef finished the murgh makhani with a final garnish of crushed dried fenugreek leaves and a drizzle of fresh cream, enhancing its buttery fragrance.

Related Pronunciations

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