Tag: chicken

Posted on

Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.

Posted on

Neven’s Recipes, Irish Stew and Mary Flahavan’s oatmeal cookies – Marty in the Morning @rte lyricfm

I never tire of a bowl of steaming hot stew. It’s the attention to detail that makes this dish one of the world’s great classics. This is my version that I have developed over the years. It’s a meal in itself, but for a special celebration, try serving it buffet style with bowls of turnip mash, colcannon and maybe even some glazed parsnips and carrots and watch your guests’ faces light up!

SERVES 6–8

  • 900g (2lb) boneless lamb neck or shoulder, trimmed and cut into cubes
  • 900ml (1½ pints) lamb or chicken stock
  • 50g (2oz) pearl barley, washed
  • 225g (8oz) potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 225g (8oz) carrots, thickly sliced
  • 225g (8oz) leeks, well trimmed and
  • thickly sliced
  • 225g (8oz) pearl onions, peeled
  • 100g (4oz) rindless piece of smoked
  • bacon, diced
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • sea salt and freshly ground
  • black pepper
  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley,
  • to garnish
  • turnip mash with crispy bacon and onion, to serve (optional)
  • colcannon, to serve

1 Place the boneless lamb pieces in a large heavy-based pan or flameproof casserole and pour over the stock. Bring to the boil, then skim off any scum from the surface and then stir in

the barley. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 50 minutes, until slightly reduced and the lamb is almost tender.

2 Add the potatoes to the lamb with the carrots, leeks, pearl onions, smoked bacon and thyme and simmer for 30 minutes, until the lamb and vegetables are completely tender but still holding their shape. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3 Put the stew straight onto the table and scatter over the parsley. Serve dishes of the turnip mash with crispy bacon and onion and colcannon alongside and allow everyone to help themselves.

Oatmeal, Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

This recipe was given to me by Mary Flahavan. I like it so much that we now make it up in batches and keep them in Kilner jars in our rooms for guests in case they’re feeling a bit peckish after a long journey but don’t want to ruin their dinner.

  • 275g (10oz) Flahavan’s
  • Progress Oatlets
  • 225g (8oz) butter, at room
  • temperature
  • 150g (5oz) caster sugar
  • 100g (4oz) plain flour, plus a little
  • extra for dusting
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 100g (4oz) dried cranberries,
  • roughly chopped
  • 100g (4oz) white chocolate,
  • finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Blend the oatlets in a food processor until quite fine. Add the butter, sugar, flour and baking soda and blend again until the dough just comes together.

Tip into a bowl and beat in the cranberries and white chocolate. Shape into 12 even-sized balls and arrange on the lined baking sheets well spaced apart, then squash them down with the palm of your hand to about a 4cm (1 ½in) thickness. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until they are a pale golden colour and soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and leave to cool and harden on the sheets for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool for a few minutes before tucking in with a nice cup of tea.

Posted on

.@nevenmaguire makes simply delicious Pad Thai @dunnesstores with Chef Yo.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7AAVU2MowW/?igsh=MWZsNXNwcW1vdHhrdA==

  • dunnesstores's profile picturedunnesstores
  • We have partnered up with @sabarestaurantdublin to create our new @simplybetterds Thai Food range. Watch our brand ambassador @nevenmaguire learn how to make this delicious Phad Thai with Chef Yo. Find the full recipe below and shop the ingredients in your local @dunnesstores.

    Phad Thai
    Ingredients (Serves 2)
    • 200g Rice Stick Noodles
    • 6 Raw Tiger Prawns, shell removed
    • 175g Simply Better Irish Corn Fed Chicken Breast Fillets, thinly sliced
    • 2 Tbsp Simply Better Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil (for wok)
    • 2 Simply Better Free Range Corn Fed Large Eggs, beaten
    • 1 Tbsp Simply Better Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil (for eggs)
    • 80g Bean Sprouts
    • 40g Spring Onions, diced 1cm
    • 100g Simply Better Thai Phad Thai Wok Sauce
    • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, crushed
    • 1 Tsp Dried Crushed Chillies
    • 20g Fried Shallots

    Method:
    1. Soak the noodles in cold water until soft, about 30 minutes, then rinse under cold water and keep to one side.
    2. Bring a wok to a medium to high heat, add the oil, then the chicken and stir for 2 minutes before adding the prawns and stir for another minute.
    3. Bring the chicken and prawn to one side of the wok. Add the remaining oil and the beaten eggs.
    4. Stir quickly and mix the egg with the chicken and prawns.
    5. Add the noodles, stir for 1 minute until the noodles start to soften.
    6. Then add the sauce and stir well to cover the noodles.
    7. Add the bean sprouts and spring onions. Toss them through quickly for just 30 seconds to make sure the vegetables remain crunchy.
    8. Serve in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of the crushed peanuts, fried shallots and dried chillies.2d
Posted on

Chicken Parmigiana prepared and cooked by @nevenmaguire @dunnesstores

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6J7tvkLtD4/?igsh=MWR2cHJyeGlzbW5kMg==

dunnesstores

#ad | Looking for the perfect chicken dinner? Try this Chicken Parmigiana recipe from our @simplybetterds brand ambassador @nevenmaguire find the full recipe below and shop the ingredients in your local @dunnesstores

Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 Simply Better Irish Corn Fed Chicken Fillets
2 Simply Better Irish Free Range Corn Fed Large eggs
2 Tbsp. Simply Better Organic Irish Jersey Milk
150g Simply Better Rustic Ciabatta Breadcrumbs
50g Simply Better Parmigiano Reggiano grated, plus extra to garnish
2 Tbsp. Simply Better Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tub Simply Better Italian Mozzarella, cut into 4 slices
1 Jar Simply Better Italian Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Sauce
25g Butter
75g Plain Flour
A small handful of fresh basil leaves

To serve:
300g Simply Better Italian Bronze Die Spaghetti, cooked
Mixed Leaf Salad

DIRECTIONS
1. Place the chicken on a chopping board and cut each fillet in half lengthways. Spread them out and cover with parchment paper, then bash with a rolling pin until they are about 1cm thick.

2. Put the flour in a dish and season generously with salt and pepper. Put the eggs in a separate dish with the milk and season, then beat lightly with a fork. Put the breadcrumbs and Parmesan into a third dish, stirring to combine. Dust each chicken escalope in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Arrange on a plate.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4).

4. Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the escalope’s for 2 minutes on each side, until crisp and golden. Pour half of the tomato sauce on a baking tray or into a baking dish, then add the chicken. Spoon a little of the sauce on each one and top with a piece of mozzarella and a spoon of pesto. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbling.

5. Garnish the chicken with some fresh basil and serve straight to the table with a bowl of spaghetti and a bowl of salad so everyone can help themselves.

Posted on

Neven’s Recipes, Irish Stew and Mary Flahavan’s oatmeal cookies – Marty in the Morning @rte lyricfm

I never tire of a bowl of steaming hot stew. It’s the attention to detail that makes this dish one of the world’s great classics. This is my version that I have developed over the years. It’s a meal in itself, but for a special celebration, try serving it buffet style with bowls of turnip mash, colcannon and maybe even some glazed parsnips and carrots and watch your guests’ faces light up!

SERVES 6–8

  • 900g (2lb) boneless lamb neck or shoulder, trimmed and cut into cubes
  • 900ml (1½ pints) lamb or chicken stock
  • 50g (2oz) pearl barley, washed
  • 225g (8oz) potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 225g (8oz) carrots, thickly sliced
  • 225g (8oz) leeks, well trimmed and
  • thickly sliced
  • 225g (8oz) pearl onions, peeled
  • 100g (4oz) rindless piece of smoked
  • bacon, diced
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • sea salt and freshly ground
  • black pepper
  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley,
  • to garnish
  • turnip mash with crispy bacon and onion, to serve (optional)
  • colcannon, to serve

1 Place the boneless lamb pieces in a large heavy-based pan or flameproof casserole and pour over the stock. Bring to the boil, then skim off any scum from the surface and then stir in

the barley. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 50 minutes, until slightly reduced and the lamb is almost tender.

2 Add the potatoes to the lamb with the carrots, leeks, pearl onions, smoked bacon and thyme and simmer for 30 minutes, until the lamb and vegetables are completely tender but still holding their shape. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3 Put the stew straight onto the table and scatter over the parsley. Serve dishes of the turnip mash with crispy bacon and onion and colcannon alongside and allow everyone to help themselves.

Oatmeal, Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

This recipe was given to me by Mary Flahavan. I like it so much that we now make it up in batches and keep them in Kilner jars in our rooms for guests in case they’re feeling a bit peckish after a long journey but don’t want to ruin their dinner.

  • 275g (10oz) Flahavan’s
  • Progress Oatlets
  • 225g (8oz) butter, at room
  • temperature
  • 150g (5oz) caster sugar
  • 100g (4oz) plain flour, plus a little
  • extra for dusting
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 100g (4oz) dried cranberries,
  • roughly chopped
  • 100g (4oz) white chocolate,
  • finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Blend the oatlets in a food processor until quite fine. Add the butter, sugar, flour and baking soda and blend again until the dough just comes together.

Tip into a bowl and beat in the cranberries and white chocolate. Shape into 12 even-sized balls and arrange on the lined baking sheets well spaced apart, then squash them down with the palm of your hand to about a 4cm (1 ½in) thickness. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until they are a pale golden colour and soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and leave to cool and harden on the sheets for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool for a few minutes before tucking in with a nice cup of tea.

Posted on

Hearty and zingy, this Thai rice soup is perfect for in-between weather. @RTEfood

Donal Skehan’s Thai rice soup

Donal Skehan

By Donal Skehan

Celebrity Chef

Ingredients

Serves: 4

Time: 35 minutes

  • 1.5ltrs good chicken stock
  • 2 inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • 1 lime, juice and peeled zest
  • 2 – 4 Thai Birds Eye chillies – depending on your spice tolerance!
  • 50ml fish sauce, plus extra to season
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • pinch ground turmeric
  • 6 chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 500g cooked white rice
  • pinch white pepper
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 red onion
  • Sesame oil, to serve
  • Handful of coriander leaves
  • Handful of mint

Method

  1. First, get the chicken stock into a pan. Slice half of the ginger, chilli and lemongrass and add to the pot. Peel the zest off a lime then bring to a boil, and season with the 25ml of the fish sauce. Turn down to a simmer whilst you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Finely chop the remaining ginger, chilli and lemongrass and place into a bowl. Grate in the garlic and add the remaining fish sauce. Chop the chicken thighs into inch pieces and add to the bowl along with a pinch of turmeric and mix everything together.
  3. Get a wok over a high heat and add the oil followed by the chicken pieces. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Scoop the aromatics from the broth and discard then add the rice to the broth and warm through for at least 5 minutes.
  5. To finish, slice the red onion finely and season the broth with some white pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice and some extra fish sauce if needed.
  6. Add the rice and broth to your bowls then top with the chicken, followed by the sliced onions. Garnish with extra sliced red chillies, if you can handle them!, and lots of coriander and mint.

More stories on

Posted on

.@Anahaugh stuffed roast chicken breast & mushrooms @SaturdayKitchen

Anna Haugh’s meat feast medley combines sausagemeat stuffing, pancetta and chicken breast, all in one neat parcel.

Ingredients

For the potatoes

For the stuffed chicken

For the mushroom sauce

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.
  2. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes until par-boiled, not fully cooked through. Remove and allow to cool whilst you prepare the rest of the dish.
  3. Combine the sausagemeat, hazelnuts and parsley in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
  4. Divide the sausagemeat filling between the pockets in each chicken breast. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and roll each chicken breast in 3 slices of pancetta. Place the chicken breasts on a baking tray and bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breast. When the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Grate the par-boiled potatoes on a box grater. Meanwhile, put a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the grated potato, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of salt and fry until golden.
  6. In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the garlic and sage leaves. Fry until the leaves are wilted, then add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  7. Add the chicken stock and reduce to a sauce consistency. You can add an extra knob of butter to finish the sauce, if you like.
  8. To serve, place the fried potato on a serving plate. Carve the chicken and arrange on top, finishing with the mushroom sauce.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/stuffed_and_roast_77417

Posted on

Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.

Posted on

Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.