Most of us love the spicy, crispy and mouth-watering tandoori chicken. With a stimulating smell that boils our stomach with enormous craving, it is one of the most ordered appetizers across the world. Today, mini tandoors are also available in the market that allows us to prepare this delicious dish of chicken even in our home.
An essential requirement to cook the chicken tandoori is the tandoor which is a traditional earthen oven. The chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt and dipped in tandoor masala at least 8-10 hours before cooking them in tandoor. The tandoor is allowed to attain high temperature after which the chicken pieces are grilled or roasted in it. Many fitness lovers and dieticians would suggest chicken tandoori as health tip or fitness tip as it does not contain oil as it is completely roasted. The crispy outside and the fleshy inside of these chicken pieces make them perfect for parties and complement a glass of wine perfectly. They go perfectly well with both tandoori rotis and rice or can also be eaten as starter or appetizer with salads.
There are different speculations about the history and invention of chicken tandoori. Some people believe that it was invented in the Mughal era but some of them argue that it was founded in Punjab before the Indian partition (now a part of Pakistan) by a restaurant owner Kundan Lal Gujral. Apparently, there is no concrete evidence to verify both the cases, however, the dish surely has a tinge of Mughal delicacy with an aromatic magic of Indian spices. Kundan Lal Gujral used clay tandoor to roast the chicken pieces and is said to have migrated to India after the partition took place. He is said to have expertise over cooking different varieties of chicken dishes that were sizzling and mouth-watering after he moved his restaurant at Daryaganj in Delhi. The chicken tandoori cooked by him was said to have a crunchy outside and was delicious and succulent from inside which made it perfect to munch-in with ecstasy.
Winter is a season when you yearn to curl up in your blanket and savor food that keeps you warm and healthy. All types of animal meat and their by-products including lean dairy items fall into the hearty and warming category.
Comfort food, for many people, is any sort of chicken dish. Fortunately, there are several chicken dishes that you can make that will effortlessly warm you up during the cold winter days and nights. They are easy to make, provide warmth, and also provide you with the nutrients that are essential for the body during this season.
During winters, no one likes to go to the market to shop for meat; which is why Chikmeat enables you to purchase fresh chicken pieces from the comfort of your home. You can recreate these recipes using the chicken pieces bought online in Pune through Chikmeat.
1. Chicken Chili Verde
INGREDIENTS:
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
½ and ¼ teaspoon coriander and red chili powder respectively
820 g tomatoes, diced
¼ cup water
500 g beans
Baby spinach
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, sliced
METHOD:
Heat a pot over a medium flame and then add the oil. Cook the onions until soft. Then add the garlic and spices and stir, 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the tomatoes and simmer, 5 minutes. Stir in the water and chicken. Gently boil, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in beans and spinach until just wilted, 1 minute. Serve with desired toppings.
Select fruit canned in its own juice or water, not heavy syrup, and frozen fruit without added sugar.
Buy fresh vegetables
tomatoes
broccoli
frozen vegetables without added salt, butter or sauces
spinach
canned vegetables low in sodium
Look for low-fat, fat-free or reduced-fat milk, buttermilk, cheeses, yogurt and sour cream.
Aim for whole-grain and low-fat varieties of bread, bagels, pitas, cereal, rice, pasta, crackers and tortillas.
Almonds
walnuts
get the unsalted or low-salt varieties
Lean meats, poultry and fish
extra-lean ground beef
fish, skinless chicken and turkey
round or sirloin beef cuts
spices
A vegetable steamer insert that can fit into the bottom of just about any saucepan can help you prepare steamed vegetables without any butter or oil.
olive oil
salsas
Nonstick cookware can reduce the need to use oil or butter when sauteing meat or vegetables.
Herbs
fresh peppers
spices
onions
garlic
herbs
lemons
sodium-free bouillon
garlic powder
Rinse canned foods
Beware of broth
Saute onions, mushrooms or other vegetables in water or a little low-sodium broth
Use lower fat dairy products
Prepare stews and casseroles with only two-thirds of the meat the recipe calls for, adding extra vegetables, brown rice, tofu, bulgur or whole-wheat pasta instead.
Experiment with spices, substitutions or recipes you wouldn't normally try