Power Foods:

Grilled Chicken:

On the other day….Ramona(from my cooking class)asked me….why it is always ‘Tandoor Chicken’ looks pink in these Indian Restaurants. I myself wondered several times…what is that pink little thing staring at me(not even red….its totally pink)! They hardly use any spices…just coloring agent….get it grilled!! All my clients really enjoyed my spicy meals! I never altered or adjusted the spice levels for Americans! I did the same way each time…..as I do it for myself! They really appreciated it! All they want to know is….how we cook at home!

Well….today I thought of giving nice marination to the chicken, with all fresh spices and herbs! I am not really a skilled griller!! But I am little aware of the facts of marination and grilling!! So as usual….I didn’t depend upon any store-bought mariantion…I am not even using my spice powders! Okay the fresh tomatoes, yogurts and lemon are going to work to tenderize the meat! The acidity from these ingredients will break down the protein structure and will make it easy for digestion! Well….it will give good flavor through out the stake! Also these wholesome puree will boost nutrients intake! They also protect from harmful bacteria growth!

Besides ginger, garlic and cilantro are disease fighters and anti-agers. They also counter-react with that risk associated with grilling. Yeah when meat is heated in high temperature, cancer causing substance called Heterocyclic amines are formed! But marination cuts the risk by 87-90%, a reduction is directly co-related with amount of antioxidants present in your puree/sauce!

Well…I also used bone-in chicken today, to hold that latent heat and hasten the procedure(cooking). Skin-on will be helpful than using cubes and cubes of butter!

Ingredients:

Chicken Leg piece 2 (bone-in & skin-on)
Onion 1 large
Garlic 5 beads
Ginger 2″
Tomato 1 large
Red Peppers(fresh and large)3
Cilantro leaves 1 fistfu
Mint leaves 10-15
Lemon juice 1 fruit
Yogurts 1 cup
Salt
Clarified butter as required!

Method:

Make a thick puree out of all the above mentioned ingredients(except 1st and last).

Marinate chicken in the puree! Well….actually I packed them in one of those ziplock bags and left it in freezer for a whole day! Is it not wonderful…or do it overnight mariantion for better results!

Brush them with clarified butter and get them grilled….until they are done thoroughtly!

Happy eating!:)