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.

Jeera Aloo (Cumin Potatoes)


There are so many different types of Indian potato dishes but I think this i, by far, one of my favourites. Jeera Aloo (also known as cumin potatoes), is one of the first dishes my Mum taught me how to cook just before I moved away to university, namely because it doesnt require much prep or cooking time. Great as a main or a side dish. Infact, I’ve recently started making chappati wraps stuffed with these potatoes and taking them to work with me. Little bit more snazzier than my regular, plain ol’ cheese & tomato sandwiches :). Check out the recipe and let me know how what you think!

Serves 4

What we need:
4 potatoes-roughly 1lb in weight (I prefer red potatoes but you can use any)
1 tsp salt or according taste
1/4 tsp paprika powder
1/2 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
pinch of asafoetida (optional)
10 curry leaves, chopped (optional)
handful fresh coriander, chopped

How we do:

  • Boil potatoes until cooked and tender. You can also cook them in a microwave for approx 12 minutes. Chop into even, bitesize pieces on a board.
  • Sprinkle salt, paprika, mango powder and garam masala evenly on the potatoes and mix well.
  • Heat oil in non stick wide pan or wok. Add cumin, mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves. When they begin to sizzle, add the onions. Stir well and add the potoaoes.
  • Mix the pototoes and add the coriander.
  • You’re done! Serve with hot chapatis and enjoy.