Indian Charred Chicken

Indian charred chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine to the forefront. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of curry paste, oil, sugar, ginger, and cumin. The chicken is then grilled over hot coals, resulting in a deliciously charred and smoky flavor. To complement the spiciness of the chicken, a refreshing cucumber raita is served on the side. The raita is made by combining grated cucumber, low-fat Greek-style yogurt, and a hint of chili powder for a cooling and creamy accompaniment. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold and vibrant flavors and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or gathering.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 skinless chicken breast fillets
• 2 tablespoons curry paste
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon light muscovado sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

FOR THE CUCUMBER RAITA:

• 1/4 cucumber
• 150ml/5fl oz low-fat Greek-style yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt

PREPARATION:

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of baking parchment or cling film. Pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the curry paste, sunflower oil, light muscovado sugar, ground ginger, and ground cumin to form a marinade. Spread the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. To make the cucumber raita, cut the cucumber in half lengthways and peel it. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Grate the cucumber flesh into a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes, then rinse off the salt and squeeze out any excess moisture by pressing the cucumber with the back of a spoon. Mix the grated cucumber with the low-fat Greek-style yogurt and stir in the chili powder. Refrigerate until required.
4. Heat a charcoal barbecue until hot. Transfer the marinated chicken to an oiled rack and grill it over the hot coals for approximately 10 minutes, turning once.
5. Serve the charred chicken with the cucumber raita.

YIELD: This recipe serves 4.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
• Adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

TIPS:

• If you don’t have a charcoal barbecue, you can also cook the chicken on a gas grill or stovetop grill pan for similar results.
• Serve the Indian charred chicken with a side of steamed basmati rice and naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired meal.
• Adjust the level of spice in the curry paste and chili powder according to your preference.

Indian charred chicken is a tantalizing dish that showcases the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a blend of curry paste, oil, sugar, ginger, and cumin. The marinated chicken is then grilled over hot coals, resulting in a delectably charred and smoky flavor that enhances the natural juiciness of the meat.

To accompany the spiciness of the chicken, a refreshing cucumber raita is served on the side. The raita is made by grating cucumber, combining it with low-fat Greek-style yogurt, and adding a touch of chili powder for a cooling and creamy complement to the bold flavors of the chicken.

To prepare this dish, pound the chicken breasts to flatten them and coat them in the flavorful marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours to infuse the flavors. Then, grill the marinated chicken over hot coals until it is cooked through and beautifully charred.

Serve the Indian charred chicken alongside a generous portion of the cucumber raita. The cool and creamy raita perfectly balances the spiciness of the chicken, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination of flavors. This dish is excellent for outdoor gatherings or barbecues and is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant and aromatic appeal.

For a complete Indian-inspired meal, consider serving the charred chicken with steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread. The combination of the charred chicken, aromatic spices, and refreshing raita creates a memorable and delightful dining experience.