Afghani Chicken Drumsticks

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The temperature went into double digits today. Double digits people. That means no more scarves, no more knee high boots and dare I say it no more de-icer? It also means that the sun has got his/ her hat on and Summer is quickly approaching! Yes I am doing a happy dance as I type this (mad skills I know). As the weather gets slightly warmer, I enjoy taking advantage of the grill and my husband with his epic salad making abilities.  

I love recipes that involve marinating and grilling – they’re so easy to make, require minimal washing up and can be prepared in advance. What’s not to like? This Afghani chicken marination is a particular favourite of mine. The addition of ground cashews and almonds makes for a lovely, creamy base. Combined with the tartness of the lime and the heat from the chillies…can I get a MMM MMM MMMM?! 

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Hope you enjoy! As always, let me know what you think in the comments 🙂

Afghani Chicken Drumsticks
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 8 chicken drumsticks, skinless with slits cut into them
  2. 4 tbsp yoghurt
  3. 2 tsbp extra thick double cream (optional)
  4. 3" ginger, peeled
  5. 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  6. 2 green finger or birds eye chillies (optional)
  7. juice of 2 limes
  8. 5 almonds
  9. 10 cashews
  10. 2 1/4 tsp salt, or according to taste
  11. 1/2 tsp paprika
  12. 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
  13. 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  14. 1 tsp garam masala
  15. 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  16. 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom (optional)
  17. handful fresh coriander including stems, roughly chopped
  18. 2 tbsp oil or ghee
Instructions
  1. Line a baking tray with foil and turn your grill on the highest temperature setting
  2. Place the chicken in a bowl.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients apart from the yoghurt and cream into a processor and blitz into a paste. Empty into a bowl. Now mix in the yoghurt and cream.
  4. Pour this marinade over the chicken and mix well. If you have time, cover and refrigerate over night. If not, place in oven straight away.
  5. Cook for 10 minutes. Then turn the chicken over and cook for an additonal 10 minutes or until the chicken is white all the way through and has begun to char slightly.
  6. Turn off grill and serve with salad and tandoori naan!
Notes
  1. You can soak the almonds and cashews in a little water beforehand so it is creamier when blended in the processor.
  2. Feel free to use any cut of chicken - chicken thighs are also great for grilling!
  3. You can marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours - the longer you leave it the better.
Monica's Spice Diary - Indian Food Blog https://spicediary.com/

Indian BBQ Masala Chicken Recipe & Sainsburys Magazine Front Cover Feature

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Earlier this year, I was approached by the lovely people at Sainsburys Magazine in regards to a feature on spice inspired recipes for the Summer barbeque season for their July issue. I decided to write a recipe inspired from my Punjabi roots and created a Barbeque Masala Chicken recipe that is packed full of flavour and spice and is great cooked on the barbeque or on the grill. This recipe features a marinade made from yoghurt, fragrant Indian spices and pureed deep fried golden onion to add delicious depth. Sound like your kind of thing? Then, check out the recipe below. I also made a recipe for a simple yet satisfying Indian salsa made from radish and red onions which is refreshing and light and serves as a great accompaniment to the spicy masala chicken.

I am delighted to announce that my recipe was featured on the front cover of the magazine which I am thrilled about! The feature also included mouth watering recipes by last years Masterchef winner Shelina Permalloo, Private Chef and Indian food writer, Maunika Gowardhan and Persian food writer and Supper Club host, Sabrina Ghayour so be sure to grab yourself a copy of this month’s issue!

high res 2The sun is supposed to be making an appearance this weekend so all the more reason to haul out the BBQ and get grilling. Check out my recipe below and facebook or tweet me your thoughts.

Serves 4

What we need

For the Masala Chicken:
250ml vegetable oil for frying
1 onion, thinly sliced4 tbsp olive oil
juice of 1/2 lime
50g root ginger, peeled & grated
2 medium garlic cloves, peeled & grated
1 whole green chilli, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander
4 tbsp Greek yoghurt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp sea salt
4 skinless chicken breasts
For the Salsa:
200g radishes, finely sliced
1  small red onion, thinly sliced
2 large ripe vine tomatoes, finely diced
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
a small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

How to:

1) Pour the oil into a wok so it’s 3-4 cms deep and heat. Deep fry the onions on a medium-high heat for 6/7 minutes or until they  turn golden brown. Turn off the heat and leave to cook until fully golden. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Leave to cool.
2) Put the onions, olive oil, lime juice, ginger, garlic, green chilli, tomato puree and coriander into a food processor. Blitz until thick paste forms and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3) Stir in the yoghurt, paprika, turmeric, garam masala and sea salt.
4) Add the chicken breasts and turn in the marinade until well coated. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
5) Light the barbeque. For the salsa, put the radishes, tomatoes, onion, black pepper, lime juice and coriander in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and toss together.
6) Barbeque the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning regularly, until cooked through. Serve with  the Indian salsa.