Sheet-Pan Malai Chicken and Potatoes

 

Sheet-Pan Malai Chicken And Potatoes 

Inspired by traditional South Asian malai chicken, a warmly spiced, yogurt-marinated dish that’s usually tandoor-grilled or served as a creamy curry, this sheet-pan meal comes together in under an hour. Here, the cream, or malai, is added just before serving, combining with lemon juice and water to create a silky, tangy sauce. The yogurt marinade acts as a powerful tenderizer for the chicken, so even a quick rest will enhance the flavors (if you have time for an overnight marinade, all the better). For this version, a sheet pan is used to maximize surface area and help the potatoes brown, but a cast-iron skillet also works.   NYTimes

Ingredients:   4 servings

For the chicken and potatoes
1½ pounds fingerling or baby potatoes
1medium yellow onion
1tablespoon melted ghee or olive oil
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
4bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds total)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the marinade

¼ cup full-fat plain yogurt
⅓ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, torn to fit the blender, plus more cilantro for serving if desired
5 garlic cloves
1(1½-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 to 2 serrano chiles, depending on your heat tolerance
1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
1½ teaspoons garam masala
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

Directions

Arrange the oven rack in the center of the oven and heat to 425 degrees.

Start the chicken and potatoes: As the oven heats, halve potatoes lengthwise (quarter and cut any larger ones). Halve the onion lengthwise and cut each half into quarters. Transfer potatoes and onion to a sheet pan, add the ghee and season with 1½ teaspoons salt. Transfer to the preheated oven, and roast for 10 minutes while you prepare the marinade.

Make the marinade: Using a blender, mini food processor or immersion blender, combine the yogurt, cilantro, garlic, ginger, chiles, ghee, garam masala and 1½ teaspoons salt. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth. If needed, add a tablespoon of water to help the blender along. Transfer the marinade to a medium bowl or resealable bag, and add the chicken. Massage marinade into chicken and let marinate while the potatoes cook (see Tip).

When the vegetables have roasted for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and nestle chicken on top, skin side up, scraping any excess marinade from the chicken skin onto the vegetables. Return sheet pan to the oven and adjust heat to 450 degrees. Roast until the chicken and potatoes are cooked through and the chicken skin is browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes. (If the potatoes aren’t fork-tender yet, remove the chicken from the pan and continue to roast the potatoes for another 5 to 10 minutes.)

Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the vegetables in the pan. Add the lemon juice, cream and 3 tablespoons hot water to the sheet pan and toss with a metal spatula, carefully scraping up any browned bits, until the potatoes are coated in sauce. Transfer chicken back over top and serve immediately, garnished with more cilantro if you like.
TIP  If you like, the chicken can marinate for up to 2 hours on the counter, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. (If marinating overnight, remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes before roasting to ensure it cooks evenly.). Serves 4

Pork Chops With Peas, Radishes, and Mint

Pork Chops With Peas, Radishes and Mint

With its combination of peas, radishes, and mint, this dish encapsulates the flavors of spring. The pork chops are bathed in a sizzling spice butter and nestled among vegetables, which soak up the rich juices. Excerpted from her latest book. Melissa Clark’s philosophy of ease and enjoyment in the kitchen, and that means that you should swap in whatever vegetables you prefer when making these pork chops. She suggests broccoli, spinach, and new potatoes as options.
Ingredients:
4 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons aromatic spice blend (such as baharat) or garam masala
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
4 (1 1/4-inch-thick) bone-in, center-cut pork chops (about 12 ounces each)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large (1 1/2-ounce) shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
2 cups fresh or unthawed frozen English peas (from 1 [10-ounce] package)
1 cup thinly sliced radishes (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup water
Cooked couscous (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, flat-leaf parsley, or additional mint
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Flaky sea salt

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400°F. Stir together garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, spice blend, and black pepper. Rub mixture all over pork chops; let stand 10 minutes.

   Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high in a large ovenproof skillet. Add pork chops, and sear, undisturbed, until dark golden brown on bottoms, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip pork chops, and sear, undisturbed, until dark golden brown on other side, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer pork chops to a plate.

   Reduce heat under skillet to medium, and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in shallot, and cook until lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add peas, radishes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and additional pepper to taste, stirring to coat with skillet juices. Stir in 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet using a wooden spoon.

   Nestle pork chops in pea mixture in skillet; and transfer to preheated oven. Roast until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of pork chops registers 135°F, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let rest 10 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise to 140°F.)

   Serve pork chops with couscous, if using. Sprinkle evenly with herbs and lemon zest, and garnish with flaky sea salt.  Serves 4

Butter Chicken Soup

Butter Chicken Soup

One of the most beloved takeout dishes is reimagined as a comforting soup. Coconut milk keeps the soup creamy but light, while cauliflower makes it satisfying without being overly heavy. And by using a number of pantry ingredients, this dish will also keep your shopping list short.

Ingredients:
1 2/3 cups (400 mL) butter chicken sauce
1 2/3 cups (400 mL) coconut milk
2 1/4 cups (560 mL) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 lbs (905 g) boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks
4 tsp (20 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 cup (250 mL) cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
Garam masala for serving

Directions:

In a large pot, bring sauce, coconut milk and chicken stock to a boil 

over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Add cauliflower. Cook, 

stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 4 minutes. 

Add chicken.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through,  

2 to 3 minutes.   Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and half of cilantro.

Place a bowl and three 4-cup (1 L) containers on counter. Divide soup evenly. Top with some chopped cilantro and a pinch of garam masala.

Portions can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen up to 1 month.  Serves 4

Spinach Lentil Dal

Spinach Lentil Dal Recipe

Spinach Lentil Dal - an Indian lentil recipe with a flavorful spinach sauce that is full of flavor and nutrients and can be made in 30 minutes. Serve with Basmati Rice, and naan bread!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons ghee (or coconut oil, but ghee will elevate)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, rough chopped
2 tablespoons ginger, finely chopped
1 medium jalapeno, finely chopped (or 1 serrano) this is mildly spicy, add more if you like.
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 lb Baby spinach (fresh or frozen)
15–20 fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
2 tablespoons water (if using fresh spinach)
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup plain yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
3 – 4 cups cooked black lentils (or aka caviar lentils, beluga lentils or French green lentils)
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste!

Directions
If cooking black lentils and basmati rice, start them first (see notes)

Make the Spinach Sauce:Sautee the onion in ghee, in a large pan, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic, ginger and chilies. Saute until fragrant and golden. Add the fennel seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and garam masala and stir two minutes. Lower heat to low. Add the fresh spinach, mint, fenugreek and water. Cover pan, 2-3 minutes, letting spinach wilt. Give a few stirs. Don’t overcook!

Blend Spinach Sauce: Place the wilted spinach mixture in a blender and add the 3/4 cups water. Pulse and few times (hold lid down tight). If you want a smooth sauce, blend until smooth. I left a little texture here. Pour it back into the pan, set on low heat. Don’t overheat or you will lose the pretty color.

Combine: Stir in the yogurt, lentils and salt. Taste. Adjust salt to your liking, adding more if necessary! You want this slightly more salty because you are serving over rice which will mellow it out a lot. For more heat add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes. To “up” the flavor even more, add a bit more garam masala spice to taste. If you want a little acidity a tiny squeeze of lemon is nice.

Serve with the basmati rice and naan bread!
Emerald Dal will keep up to 4 days in the fridge.

Notes
Cook black lentils according to package or try the pasta cooking method: simply boil 1 1/4 cups dry lentils in 6 cups of salted water until just tender, strain. The size of lentil will determine cooking time. Little black lentils take 20-30 minutes. Feel free to sub other whole lentils for the black lentils.

SPINACH: If using fresh spinach, be sure to use baby spinach, as mature spinach and their stems can be bitter.

Yes, you can sub coconut oil or butter for the ghee– but in my opinion, the ghee really elevates and adds so much flavor.

Feel free to bump up the spices and heat (add more chilies and spices). 

Chicken Tiki Masala ~ Instant Pot

Chicken Tiki Masala

Six Servings.

Ingredients:

Marinate the chicken:

1 ½ pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (breast or thighs), cut into large pieces

½ cups Full-Fat Greek Yogurt

4 cloves Garlic minced

2 teaspoons Minced Ginger minced

½ teaspoon Turmeric

¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika for color and a slightly smokey taste

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 teaspoon Garam Masala

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (omit if unavailable)

For the Sauce:

1 Onion chopped

1 14-ounce Canned Tomatoes

1 carrot chopped

5 cloves Garlic minced

2 teaspoon Minced Ginger minced

1 teaspoon Turmeric

½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

1-2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

2 teaspoons Garam Masala

1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

To Finish:

4 ounce Half and Half (use full-fat coconut milk if dairy free)

1 teaspoon Garam Masala

¼-1/2 cup Cilantro chopped

Directions:

Marinate the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with full-fat Greek Yogurt (or full-fat coconut milk if you are dairy-free), minced garlic, minced ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper (Indian chili powder), smoked paprika, salt, garam masala, and liquid smoke if using. If you do not have yogurt, you can also use full-fat cream.Make sure to beat and blend the plain yogurt well so it doesn't separate later. This will create a thick paste to coat the chicken thighs in. Let it rest for 1-2 hours if possible.

Place sauce ingredients into the Instant Pot. Place the chicken with the yogurt on top of the sauce.

Cook at High Pressure for 10 minutes and release pressure quickly.

Remove chicken and either set aside, broil, or put in your air fryer to brown, as you choose.

Meanwhile using an immersion blender, purée the sauce well.

Add 1/2 cup of half and half, cream, or coconut milk and stir well.

Remove half the sauce and freeze for later.
Put chicken back into the remaining sauce, mix in the garam masala, garnish with cilantro and serve.

Tips And Tricks For Making Chicken Tikka Masala
The spices for marinating and for the sauce are almost the same. The marinade takes half the spice the sauce does.

To be efficient, put the sauce ingredients in the Instant Pot, and the raw chicken in a bowl. As you add turmeric to the marinade, add twice that amount of turmeric to the onion and tomato sauce as well.
Please note that a few readers who used 8 quart Instant Pots had the BURN message with a single batch of this, but not a double batch. The same readers were able to make this without the BURN message.

If you have an 8 quart, either double this recipe or use 1/2 to 1/4 cup of water to add to the chicken and vegetables.

You can make this recipe with skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.

You'll see jars of this sauce with the Indian cuisine in the grocery store. Skip those and make this sauce instead. It's worth the extra effort.

If you don't like your food spicy, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to reduce the heat.

My recipe for Homemade Garam masala is made with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and a host of other delicious things. You should try making it instead of using store-bought.

There's no reason you can't use leftover tikka masala sauce with leftover grilled chicken. Just throw it in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil and saute to reheat and enjoy chicken tikka masala a second time.

Lamb Biryani

Lamb Biryani

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (910g) boneless leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch (2cm) cubes
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened full-fat yogurt
• 6 medium garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated
• One 2–inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated 
• 3 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided; if using table salt, use half as much by volume
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) plus 2 teaspoons (10ml) ghee or neutral oil, such as grapeseed, divided
• 2 large yellow or white onions (26 ounces; 750g total), sliced thinly
• 5 green cardamom pods, lightly cracked, divided

1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cloves
• 2 dried bay leaves 
• 1 teaspoon garam masala, store-bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon ground Kashmiri chili (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup (240ml) water or low-sodium stock (lamb, beef, or chicken)
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon or lime juice
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 fresh green chile, such as a serrano or Thai bird, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
• 20 strands of saffron, divided
• 2 teaspoons rosewater
• 2 teaspoons pandan (kewra/screwpine) water (see note)

Directions:

Place the lamb in a 1 gallon (3.8L) ziptop bag. In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, ginger, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt until combined, pour the yogurt mixture over the lamb, seal the bag, and shake the bag to coat the lamb well. Leave the ziptop bag in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.

Heat 1/4 cup (60ml) ghee or oil in a Dutch oven or saucepan with a heavy bottom over medium heat. Add the onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions caramelize and turn dark brown (but not black), about 25 to 30 minutes.

1. 

Set oven rack at the middle position and heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place half the saffron threads in a mortar and pestle and grind to a fine powder. In a small saucepan placed over low heat, warm the milk just until it starts to bubble, then turn off the heat. Add the ground saffron and remaining saffron strands to the hot milk and let steep for 10 minutes.

1. 

Meanwhile, as the lamb cooks, prepare the rice. Pick over the the rice for any debris, then place it in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, until the runoff is no longer cloudy; drain well. Place the rice in a bowl and cover with 4 cups (960ml) water and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain the rice, discarding soaking water. In a large saucepan, combine rice with 4 cups cold water, lemon juice, the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, the remaining 2 green cardamom pods, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of ghee or oil and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 2 minutes and then strain the rice; discard cooking water. It will be partially cooked—if you break a grain of rice, you will see an outer translucent ring and a tiny, opaque inner ring.

1. When the lamb is tender, remove lid and increase the heat to medium, stirring often to prevent scorching, and cook until the liquid starts to thicken and reduces to about 1 1/2 cups (360ml), about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a clean, large wooden spoon or spatula, spread the rice out in an even layer over the meat in the Dutch oven.
2. 
   
3. Set oven rack at the middle position and heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place half the saffron threads in a mortar and pestle and grind to a fine powder. In a small saucepan placed over low heat, warm the milk just until it starts to bubble, then turn off the heat. Add the ground saffron and remaining saffron strands to the hot milk and let steep for 10 minutes.

6.     

Sprinkle the saffron-infused milk over the rice, followed by the rosewater and the pandan water. Garnish the top of the rice with the reserved caramelized onions. Cover the Dutch oven with two sheets of aluminum foil and crimp the overhang to form a tight seal, place the lid over the foil, and place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to let the rice steam. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot and carefully peel off the aluminum seal. Use a fork to loosen the rice a little and serve immediately straight from the Dutch oven. Alternatively, biryani can be transferred to a platter and served.

Special Equipment
Dutch oven, 3 qt. saucepan, 2 quart saucepan, fine mesh strainer, mortar and pestle.

Notes:
The ground Kashimiri chile can be replaced with a combination of 3/4 teaspoon ground smoked sweet paprika and 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne.

Pandan water can be purchased at speciality food stores or online.

Make-Ahead and Storage
Lamb biryani is best served immediately, but will keep in an airtight container for up to o0ne week in the refrigerator.

Chicken Korma

CHICKEN KORMA RECIPE

Chicken Korma recipe is a Muglai speciality. Chicken Korma Curry has pieces of boneless chicken cooked with almond sauce and spices and garnished with roasted almonds. Serves 2  Cooking time 30 mins

Ingredients:

400 grams chicken breasts, chopped in large pieces

1 tablespoon ground almonds

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic paste

2-3 oil or clarified butter (ghee)

1 medium onion chopped fine

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

150 ml curd (dahi)

2 green chilies 

4 pods cardamom 

3 cloves

2 medium sized cinnamon sticks

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon chopped green coriander

1/2 tablespoon roasted chopped almonds

salt to taste

Directions:
Marinate the chicken pieces with lemon juice, pinch of salt, black pepper and garlic paste. Rub the mixture thoroughly to the pieces and keep it aside for 1/2 an hour.

In a heavy bottom pan, heat the oil/ghee and when it is medium hot add the chopped onions and turmeric.

Fry till the onions are light golden and then take them out and keep aside. Leave the oil behind for further use.

In a mixer make a fine paste of fried onions, curd, almonds, green chillies. Pour this mixture on the marinated chicken pieces.

Now reheat the oil in the pan on medium flame and then add cardammom, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf. Stir them for 30 secs and then add the marinated chicken along with leftover paste.

Let the chicken cook on low flame while stirring occasionally till it boils. Then cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer till the chicken is cooked properly.
Finally add garam masala and chopped green coriander.

Add the salt according to taste and garnish with roasted almonds and some cream

Chicken Korma

CHICKEN KORMA

Chicken korma is a muglai speciality. Chicken korma curry has pieces of boneless chicken cooked with almond sauce and spices and garnished with roasted almonds.

Serves : 2

Cooking time : 30 mins

Ingredients:

400 gms chicken breasts, chopped in big pieces
1 tblsp ground almonds
1 tblsp lemon juice 

1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1 tsp garlic paste
2-3 oil or clarified butter(ghee)
1 medium size onion, chopped finely
1/4 tsp turmeric (haldi) powder
150 ml curd (dahi)
2 green chillies
4 pods cardammom
3 cloves
2 medium size cinnamon sticks
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tblsp chopped green coriander
1/2 tblsp roasted chopped almonds
Salt to taste

Directions:
Marinate the chicken pieces with lemon juice, pinch of salt, black pepper and garlic paste. Rub the mixture thoroughly to the pieces and keep it aside for 1/2 an hour.

In a heavy bottom pan, heat the oil/ghee and when it is medium hot add the chopped onions and turmeric.

Fry till the onions are light golden and then take them out and keep aside. Leave the oil behind for further use.

In a mixer make a fine paste of fried onions, curd, almonds, green chillies. Pour this mixture on the marinated chicken pieces.

Now reheat the oil in the pan on medium flame and then add cardammom, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf. Stir them for 30 secs and then add the marinated chicken along with leftover paste.  Let the chicken cook on low flame while stirring occasionally till it boils. Then cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer till the chicken is cooked properly. 

Finally add garam masala and chopped green coriander.

Add the salt according to taste and garnish with roasted almonds and some cream

Fried Eggplant With Chickpeas

Fried Eggplant With Chickpeas

Ingredients:

For the eggplant

2 pounds baby or small Italian eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
Fine sea salt, as needed
3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
1 large white onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne
1 pound ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 ¾ cups (one 15-ounce can) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed if canned

*

For the mint chutney
1 cup mint leaves
1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1 scallion, cut into 1-inch lengths
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice, more to taste
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
Plain yogurt, for serving (optional)

*

Directions:

Season eggplant slices all over with salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until it thins out in the pan. Add enough eggplant slices to fit in one layer without overlapping. Cook until the bottoms are browned, then flip and continue to cook until well browned and soft, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed. Transfer cooked eggplant to a plate lined with paper towels, and repeat with more oil and eggplant until all the eggplant is cooked. Taste eggplant and add more salt if necessary.

Heat another tablespoon of oil in pan, then add the onions. Cook until softened and golden, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Add spices and cook for 1 minute, then add tomatoes, chickpeas and 2 tablespoons water.

Partly cover the pan and let the mixture simmer until tomatoes start to break down, 10 to 15 minutes. Add eggplant to the pan and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until sauce thickens.

While the eggplant cooks, combine all the ingredients for the chutney in a blender with 2 tablespoons water. Blend until puréed, about 1 minute. Taste and add more lemon juice or salt, or both, if needed.

Serve the eggplant topped with the chutney and yogurt if you like.