Ramblings From the Kitchen: Grilled Chicken with Tomato Salsa
All of us have our favorite food. Being a quintessential north Indian, my first love will always be Dal Chawal with Raita and Green Chutney *slurps* … But if I have to pick a dish that I would definitely order when dining out, it would be the very hearty and warm Grilled Chicken. There is something about the dish that makes me feel happy and joyous. So when my cook goes on leave or I have a weekend to do my own cooking, Grilled Chicken is what comes out of those trysts. (or other times, Pasta!)
Over the past few years I have tried making Grilled Chicken using recipes off the internet, mishmashed with my own add-ons. Buttermilk, yogurt, lemon, the basic Indian Masala ones… they all have been experimented with. But yesterday was something different. I tried something on my own, relying on my taste buds and my understanding of which flavor will work with what. Happy to report – very tummy-happy Husband and I !!
So here is a quick recipe…
Grilled Chicken with Tomato Salsa and Rosemary Potatoes (for 2)
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken:
- 2 skinless boneless Chicken Breast pieces
- 2 tbsp of Ginger – grated
- 2 tbsp of Garlic – grated
- 3 tbsp of Soy Sauce
- 2 large Lemon – juice squeezed
- 1 1/2 tbsp of Honey
- Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- Salt
Ingredients for Tomato Salsa:
- 2 Tomatoes – chopped
- 1 Red Onion – chopped
- 1 Stalk of Spring Onions – chopped
- Half a Yellow Pepper – chopped
- 1 big green chilli – chopped
- Couple of Fresh Basil Leaves – chopped
- Fresh Coriander leaves – chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chilli Flakes
Ingredients for Accompaniments:
- 2 Medium-sized Potatoes – diced
- Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp lemon
- Pepper
- Salt
- Couple of French Beans/Baby corn/Carrots (You may add all or some of these to the plate)
Preparation of Grilled Chicken
- For the Marinade: Mix together – Grated Ginger, grated Garlic, Lemon Juice, Soy Sauce, Honey, Salt, Pepper, Paprika and Dried Basil
- Make criss-cross small cuts into the Chicken Breast pieces to make sure the marinade goes well through
- Take a ziplock bag and pour the Marinade in it. Add the 2 Chicken breast pieces to the bag, shake it around so it is well-coated and keep it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour
- Heat 1 tbsp of Extra-virgin Olive oil in the pan and make sure it is hot
- Take the Chicken Breast pieces out of the Ziplock and place them in the pan. Coat the remaining marinade on the chicken.
- As the Honey and lemon work their magic, you will see a sticky paste forming on and around the chicken pieces. That will be the Awesomeness!
- Pan-grill on each side for about 5-8 minutes or till the Chicken in cooked
Preparation of Tomato Salsa
- Heat 1 tbsp of Extra-virgin Olive oil in the pan
- At high heat, add the Green Chilli, Onion, Tomato, Yellow Pepper and Spring onion
- Toss for about 1 minute and add the pepper, salt and chilli flakes
- Using a masher and mash the mix to make it into a semi-paste
- Add the basil leaves and coriander and keep the pan on the side for plating up
Preparation of Accompaniments
- In a pan, heat about 1 tsp of Butter
- Add the potatoes, dried rosemary, salt and pepper and cover it
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the Beans/Carrots in the same pan and let them soak in some of the butter and pepper
- Don’t do the vegetables for more than 1-2 minutes. They need to be crispy yet flavorsome!
Now the Plating….
- Place a big serving of the Tomato Salsa and spread it well on the plate
- Add the Chicken breast, gleaming in all its Sticky glory, on top of the Salsa
- Place the potatoes and the beans/carrots on the side
- Pick up the knife and fork, take a glass of wine and get ready to devour……
The chicken tastes beautiful.. almost a tangy-sticky-sweet wonder on plate. And the Salsa adds the zing to it!
It took about 30 minutes to do all that, of course excluding the marination time… It is easy and you can easily make it for a weekday dinner when you really don’t have it in you to do elaborate cooking.. Try it and let me know how it turned out! 🙂
I Want RESPECT in 2013
2012 can be pronounced as the year when Human Race forgot its Humanity. A year that should go down history as the year when Women were disrespected. And I am only talking about this mammoth country called India. Starting with Falak, the 2-month old victim of abuse to the girl in Guwahati who was molested in public and filmed without anyone making an effort to put a stop to it… to the 23-year old Delhi girl who was mercilessly and inhumanly gang-raped in the national capital. India Shining, really?
India has managed to show its stark reality amongst tall claims of economic and technological surge; a stark reality that its society is rotting from the inside, its humanity dying, its pillars crumbling.
I write this post on the last day of 2012 with a very eager yet troubled heart. I may not wear a black band or have a profile picture of a black dot on Facebook, but I am worried. I am worried for this country. We boast of a rich culture and traditional values and yet show such miniscule respect for fellow Indians. We put Laxmi/Parvathi/Saraswathi on a pedestal and yet we put the women of this nation to such shame. It seems like the country has lost all its glory and is running amok with its ruling government sitting by the sidelines with a broken spinal cord.
However pessimistic the above sounds, I have not lost all hope. A change has to be brought and history has taught us that when a government/ruler has shown no courage and leadership, people have risen and taken matter in their own hands. I see that flicker of hope among the People of sovereign India. There is fire in the eyes of the average Indian. Affluent, blue-collared, student, business person… the average Indian is standing up and saying NO. There are many efforts that are taking place simultaneously. Requesting You, the average Indian, to take part in at least one of them. It is perennial to do your bit to bring about this change. I think you will all agree when I say, ENOUGH!
Dear Government of India,
The People make you and they are what will break you. If you don’t do your job we will protest. We are not tolerant, anymore. We don’t want to say “chalta hai” anymore. We won’t let you throw us around like a shuttlecock. We won’t accept this apathetic attitude that you display. We are not stupid. You were given the job of protecting us and you have failed. We will make sure that you lose your job if you don’t pull your socks up. Consider this your PIP period.
Sincerely yours,
The Average Indian.
My hope to see a society that respects its women, is still alive. The change must come at the grassroots. We still have time to fix this. Â One of the bit you can do is sign this Petition that this very brave woman – Namita Bhandare has begun. Sign this petition that will be presented to the President. This is a voice of change. It must be heard.
STOP RAPE NOW… SIGN THE PETITION!
My hope is not lost…not yet!
Together, we can bring about a Change..
Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate
A wise man once said, “Marriage is a delicate relationship.. a balancing act.” Wonder who it was, but there is a certain truth in that statement. Many of us get into a marriage with two extreme thoughts in mind – either it will be hunky-dory-lovey-dovey ride, just like the movies OR a get-married-have-babies-buy-home mundane task.
But we seem to miss the grey shades with a blast of colors thrown in for fun. Marriage is not just the two extremes but the entire ride in between. It is definitely a balancing act, that needs time and effort to perfect.. perhaps! Many of my single friends have asked us time and again, “How are you so happily married?” The notion of a marriage among some people, unfortunately is, it is Bland and Boring. You get married, you have kids, you build a home and then you get settled in the monotonous lifestyle of go to work, raise kids, come back, watch mindless TV and sleep.
Fortunately for us (the pati and I), we don’t believe in the conventional way of married life. We believe we are partners-in-crime moving on from one adventure to another and building memories along the way. We have dreams of our own and support each other in fulfilling those. We live one day at a time with just one eye on the future. We don’t spend our entire ‘present’ to build a ‘future’. We laugh. We love. We dance. We travel. We cry. We fight. We make up. Marriage is a balancing act of keeping feelings, dreams, emotions delicately balanced with needs, wants, demands and must-dos.
To me, Marriage is Delicate. A delicate relationship that must be balanced, nurtured and protected from the instance you take the vow…. and yes, it is loads of fun! That is if you intend to treat it like that….
Marriage
5 not-your-average-touristy-must-do Things in Singapore
“What will you do in Singapore for 8 days??? The city is so tiny, it can be seen in a day. You guys will get so bored!”
So said our friends when we decided to take a Singapore holiday earlier this year. The idea was to get away from the madness. While everyone was pooh-poohing our decision to spend all the 8 days in Singapore, we were pretty sure we wanted this. Like a miner can find the diamond in the dust (Ok ok, too dramatic, I know), we knew we could find an awesome holiday in Singapore and prove everyone wrong!
I love Singapore. Fell in love with its culture when we visited in Christmas 2008. We did everything touristy back then. Visited China Town and Little India, partied at Clark Quay, walked down Orchard Street (twice!), went to Sentosa Island and took the Cable car to Mount Faber. This time around, we wanted to step away from the Tourist trails and do something different.
We were not disappointed. Singapore is a city of contrasting colors. On one hand you have the imposing skyline, the drool-worthy fashionable people, a busy financially strong city boasting of a high cost of living… on the other hand you have the culturally strong pockets, beautiful architecture and ethnic diversity boasting of a tolerant style of living.
This is what we did every morning..
Get ready by 10am, leave the house (stayed with friends!), walk to the nearest bus stop, stare at the map route, pick what appealed and hop on the bus. Get off at places that looked inviting and then start walking. Telling you, THE BEST way to enjoy a place!
So here is my recommended must-do list for Singapore visitors. Not your average tourist guide thing.. somewhat off the beaten path… hope you enjoy it 🙂
1. Visit the National Museum of Singapore
This is the oldest museum of Singapore and its construction dates back to 1887. With a Renaissance-style construction, the museum is a beautiful blend of modern and eclectic. The Living Galleries and Singapore history are the top 2 must-see sections. Singapore is a new civilization compared to some of the oldest ones like China and India but it is admirable to see the progressive way with which the history has been portrayed. With life-size, multidimensional display.. the museum will awe you. The blend of history with modern display is worth looking at. Even if you are not a museum-lover, you will enjoy the experience. It is almost like you took the time capsule back in time and saw intricate aspect of Singapore history.
2. Devour Chilli/Black Pepper Crab at Geylang
Geylang neighborhood is known as the ‘red light district‘ of Singapore 
to many. What you may not know is that Geylang is that part of Singapore that is relatively untouched by urban development. The main street has the old-world charm with decorated green and yellow window panes and beautiful buildings which are surprisingly well-preserved. Bold neon signs lead you to Karaoke bars and lounges. While during the day, the place is a shopper’s paradise, at night, it transforms itself into a new world that lures people, some to experience it and others to just gawk! The highlight of Geylang is the famous Chilli Crab and an assortment of somewhat interesting food. We found a “Live food” place that may need a strong heart to enter. You must go to “Sinma Live Food” for their Crab and Lobster dishes. They are absolute divine. Although Chilli Crab is what everyone recommends, I suggest you try the Black Pepper Crab.. It is yummier because it is not so over rated 🙂 We also had Chilli Lobster and the best, crispest Roasted Chicken I have ever had! I don’t have a picture of the food, as you can see, because by the time we realized we had to click, the food was over! Haa..
3. Take a Walk and experience surreal irony!
This is something we discovered one fine day when we did not know where to go! Many go to the Marina Bay Sands and the Arts & Science Museum, many go to The Merlion and others go to the Raffles Hotel… Well, we went on a path that covered all of that and more.. It was a walk to remember, literally. Because you not only cover the landmarks that make Singapore famous, but you actually breathe in the Life. It makes you feel one with the city. We were on a bus from Mount Faber to Marina Bay Sands, when I read “Beach Road” sign and got off the bus. Something about it interested me. I realized I was right in front of the legendary Raffles Hotel. We took a walk across the hotel, the cafĂ© and beyond. It was like getting transported to the British times. It was like Time stood still. We then walked down to the War Memorial. From there to Esplanade – Theatres by the bay that had the beautiful view of Singapore skyline. That’s when it hit me – the Irony. On one side I had the heritage and the old-world Raffles hotel and on the other side was this imposing modern skyline. We walked down the Esplanade Drive, lined with beautiful pink flowers in full bloom, up to The Merlion. We crossed the Tan Kim Seng Fountain, a structure so exquisite, stopped and sat at the nearby bench just to take it all in. We then walked to another legend – The Fullerton Hotel – a structure that will literally take your breath away. We crossed Victoria Concert hall, the Parliament, the City Hall and finally the St. Andrew’s Church, that rises in its grandeur amongst malls and mega malls! We had come back a full circle to the War Memorial and realized it was the best Walk in the city. The experience was so surreal – to see the British architecture of stone and columns and french windows and the modern creations of Glass and steel stand together in all their splendor in a city, without clashing. A contrast worth admiring.
4. Have the local street food experience at Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is the Old Market in the heart of the Central Business District. It is a circular wooden building nestled in between large glass and steel structures. It has a very Victorian feel to it. This was Singapore’s first market and is now a very popular Food Center. As much as your eyes can see there are only food stalls selling mouth-watering cuisines from the Far East, local Singaporean specials and Indian. As evening settles in, you will see hoards of professionals loosening their ties and unbuttoning their suits, entering the place with their friends and colleagues, looking to unwind. If you go post 7pm, pray to your lucky stars to find a place. Jam-packed with a drone-like sound and humdrum of vessels, people talking & laughing and that sweet, mouth-watering smell of fabulous food. I promise you, you will be confused! There is just so much to eat that you will spend the first 30 minutes just walking through rows and rows of food stalls before you realize you have crossed this one before! Definitely try the Vietnamese rolls, the prawns/lobster omelets flanked by spicy condiments, Singapore Chicken Rice accompanied by the most amazing red chilli sauce and if your guts allow, Pig guts or such! Wash it all down with Tiger Beer, a hearty laugh with your buddies and just take in the atmosphere filled with happy food and happier people!
5. Have the Arab Street Experience
As the name suggests, this is the Middle-Eastern neighborhood of Singapore. As you walk down from the towering modern structures and turn a corner, you are transported to the middle-eastern style of living and architecture. You are greeted by murals on the walls, Turkish architecture and a wafting aroma of delicacies that await you in the neighborhood’s many by-lanes. You can feel the true vibe of the place post sunset. Chairs are laid out on the sidewalk, rows of hookahs are cleaned and prepped and placed for consumption, kebabs are grilled to perfection. It is as if you are at a Turkish Cafe in Istanbul. Smartly dresses Singaporeans and many affluent people (judging by the large cars parked by the road) make their way into these Hookah bars and Cafeterias to enjoy the warm breeze and Irani Chai. The lanes are lined with vendors selling Middle-eastern knickknacks offering really good bargains. So if you love the cut-work lampshades, decorative knives and brass beauties, this is the place to pick the loot! Take a walk and settle yourself in any of the Hookah Bars and take in the spirit of the place. The food is absolutely divine with a variety of Middle-eastern delicacies. I bet, you will walk out of this place into the modern world, feeling mesmerized!
Take that holiday in Singapore today and don’t be sidelined by the “you can do Singapore in a day” comment! I promise you the city has so much more to offer than the Tourist Trails…..
Ramblings of a Feisty Spirit 