Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce

Nepalese Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Nepal | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a touch of heat in their meals.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Nepali cuisine, which is known for its use of bold spices and aromatic ingredients. The combination of garlic, ginger, and red chilies in the sauce gives this dish a unique and complex flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) skinned, boned chicken breasts
3 dry whole red peppers
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp finely grated ginger
2 minced red chilies
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
0.5 tsp turmeric
0.5 cup green onions, cut in 1 inch length
salt to taste
2 tbsp mustard oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup Nepali yogurt
0.5 cup roughly chopped onions
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp timur
1 tsp peppercorn
2 fresh red peppers
1 tbsp clarified butter
salt

How to prepare

In a blender, combine all the marinating ingredients to form a smooth paste.
Pour the marinating paste over the chicken in a large bowl.
Mix well, cover, and let the chicken marinate for at least four hours.
Grill the marinated chicken on a charcoal grill, occasionally turning until cooked through, about 7 minutes.
Cut the grilled chicken into 1-inch strips.
In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of mustard oil.
Fry the dry whole red peppers until dark.
Add turmeric and stir for 15 seconds.
Add onions and sauté over medium heat until brown.
Add garlic, ginger, red chilies, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt to the onion mixture.
Fry for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes and chicken broth.
Lower the heat and let the tomato-onion mixture simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.
Transfer the grilled chicken strips to the sauce and stir well.
Cook for another 10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid so that the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with green onions.
Serve with rice or roti.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
For a creamier sauce, you can substitute coconut milk for the chicken broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least four hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also cook the chicken in a skillet if you prefer.

- Adjust the amount of red chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Be careful when frying the dry whole red peppers, as they can burn easily and become bitter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Nepali yogurt, you can use Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt as a substitute.

- If you can't find mustard oil, you can use vegetable oil or ghee instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of cucumber salad or a refreshing mint chutney.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (yogurt) and mustard oil.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce is a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a rich and flavorful sauce and tender grilled chicken, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce. It was a warm summer evening and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. Maria was busy marinating chicken thighs in a vibrant red sauce, which she explained was a family recipe passed down through generations.

Intrigued by the exotic flavors wafting through the air, I asked Maria if she would teach me how to make the dish. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and began to walk me through the process. She started by showing me how to make the marinade, a rich blend of crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a medley of spices including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. As she mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen filled with a symphony of fragrances that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the marinade was ready, Maria demonstrated how to coat the chicken thighs generously with the sauce and let them sit for a few hours to absorb the flavors. As the chicken marinated, she fired up the grill and showed me how to achieve the perfect char on each piece of meat, locking in the smoky essence of the marinade.

As the chicken sizzled on the grill, Maria prepared a side of fragrant basmati rice and a cooling cucumber salad to complement the fiery flavors of the main dish. When the chicken was finally done, she plated it with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, adding the final touches to a masterpiece of culinary art.

With a sense of pride, Maria presented the Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce to her family and friends, who eagerly dug into the savory dish with gusto. The tender chicken melted in my mouth, while the tangy tomato-garlic-ginger sauce danced on my taste buds, leaving a lingering heat that was both satisfying and addictive.

After that memorable dinner at Maria's house, I knew that I had to learn how to make the recipe for Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce myself. I asked Maria for a copy of the recipe, which she gladly shared with me along with her tips and tricks for mastering the dish.

Over the years, I have adapted and refined the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences, adding a touch of honey for sweetness and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. I have shared the dish with my own family and friends, who always marvel at the bold flavors and complex layers of spice in each bite.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Spicy Grilled Chicken in Tomato-Garlic-Ginger Sauce, I am grateful for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my culinary repertoire. Each time I make this dish, I am transported back to that warm summer evening at Maria's house, where the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs first captured my imagination and inspired me to create a masterpiece of my own.