One tends to avoid heavily spiced ,tempered masala laden Indian food. Granted, it is good for the body, but sometimes you just need a change.And you need to force feed sweet child some veggies. And treat your digestive system to some veggies.
Some fresh and a some out of a bottle.
All with a desi touch. We avoid Mayonnaise....mum always has some day when she avoids eggs, and bottled mayo is flavourless gunk.
So yogurt it is.
The parents are very fond of salads,especially for dinner. Its a whole meal for them ,so we make it as wholesome as possible.Needs a little prep...but the results are perfect.For theChicken and Pineapple Salad ,Desi Style with yogurt...You need
400 gms boneless chicken2 tbsp lemon juice2 tsp olive oil/vegetable oilSalt and paprika to taste1 tsp mixed herbs
1 head Shredded lettuce sliced onion, red and yellow bell peppers, deseeded tomato,chopped cucumber3-4 slices canned pineapple ,washed and drained and chopped2 tbsp of Olives or capers or chopped gherkins- optional
1 cup thick yogurt whisked well1/2 -1 tsp garlic paste-optionallemon juice,olive oil,salt ,red chili flakes to taste1 tsp honey
In the morning,the day you want to make the salad for dinner, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice,oil,salt ,paprika and mixed herbs.Make sure you prick the pieces well,to ensure all the flavours are absorbed.
In the evening,either grill the chicken pieces on your grill or tandoor or bake in your oven at high heat, or cook them in a pan till the chicken is cooked through. Dont throw the marinade,use that to cook your chicken.
In the meanwhile chop all veggies.If you are wonder...my daddy chopped these...totally neat ...eh??
Once the chicken has cooled... cut that into bite sized pieces. I did the chicken.
Mix it all in a large bowl. In the mean while,make the dressing.Use half the yogurt and add in the oil, lemon juice,salt ,honey,paprika and garlic. Taste and adjust.
Use salad spoons to mix in the dressing or do what I do. Pout the dressing in, cover with cling wrap and shake like no one is watching...
All done.Plated and served with garlic bread and Chilled cucumber soup.Yes...they are also in my draft folder.
Well try it out...The extra yogurt...maybe if the yogurt is too watery, hand in muslin to drain and use the thickened hung yogurt.
So what are you baking today???
