Shrimp Tikka Masala, Mango & Jalapeño Skewers

10 Jun 2014

This week I thought I would play on one of my all time favorite recipes, and in celebration of summer approaching, make some chicken tikka masala skewers. But when I got my chicken out, it had already gone bad, so I deferred to some shrimp I had luckily sitting in my freezer instead. Usually when something doesn’t work out the way I had planned–it actually turns out better, which is the case with these shrimp tikka masala skewers! I wish the shrimp I had on hand, had tails on them, and were slightly prettier, but with the orange mango, and green lime and jalapeños, they actually turned out vibrant, and kinda pretty. The flavors worked awesomely together! Usually I pair my tikka masala with mango chutney, so the sweet mango slices were a MUST, then I added some jalapeños for some additional heat, and some lime wedges. I was going to serve them on a bed of rice, without the sauce–but my husband and I both agreed that the masala sauce was the best part, so I added it at the last minute, and i’m so glad I did! I spooned some of it over the kababs while I was cooking them, and it added a lot of extra flavor and color! I invited my bro in law Dexter over for dinner, and we all LOVED these! They are one of the BEST things I have made in a really long time, and can’t wait to make more this summer! I hope you guys all enjoy!
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Chicken Biryani

15 May 2014

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I have already found my favorite go-to recipes for chicken curry, chicken tikka masala, chicken korma, and chicken Makhani {aka. Indian Butter chicken}, which are some of my favorite recipes of all time, and the most popular out of all the recipes on my Blog. The next two most popular Indian chicken dishes on my list to make– are chicken tandoori and chicken biryani. I decided to make them together, because they both go hand in hand! The first day I made a curried pilaf rice with the tandoori chicken, then the next day, I chopped up the chicken, sautéed it up with the spinach, added the left-over curried rice, and served it with a side of raita to make the Biryani. This Biryani recipe might seem like a lot of work, but when you make the chicken tandoori and curried pilaf rice as your meal the day before, it comes together in minutes! I have tried a lot of Biryani’s, that have been dry, or bland, or too greasy–but this recipe is the BEST one I have ever tasted–so i’m really excited to add yet another awesome indian chicken dish to my repertoire! I hope you guys enjoy!
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Quick & Simple Mint-Cucumber Raita

15 May 2014

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This week I decided to make a delicious Chicken Biryani, which I couldn’t serve without a side of delicious, cooling, raita! I have attempted raita, and its cousin tzatziki, in the past–but just couldn’t seem to get them as thick and creamy and flavorful as I would have liked. This time, I decided to use the highest quality greek yoghurt that I could find, so the base of the sauce was instantly as thick and creamy as possible, then drained every last bit of water from the cucumbers I could so the sauce would stay like that, and not thin out. Not only was this raita finally the perfect texture I had been looking for–but the seasonings, spices and added mint were the perfect blend of flavors. It was delicious served alongside the Biryani–but would also be a delicious accompaniment for any spicy curry, chicken tikka masala, or stuffed naan. What are some things that you like to serve with a raita?
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Brazilian Hotdogs

1 May 2014

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My husband lived in Santa Maria, Brazil for two years when he was younger, serving a church mission, and while he was there he discovered Brazilian hot dogs! He has made them for me countless times over the past decade we have been together {not to make me sound old or anything!} And every time he does, he tweaks the recipe ever so slightly to improve it. Today they were SO spot on delicious, that we decided to write the recipe down so we can make them this way every time! We added pommes frites, but you can make these quickly and simply without, and even add peas or corn, which is a pretty traditional thing to do! Has anyone else out there tried Brazilian hot dogs before? How do you eat them?
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Chicken Bryan Risotto

29 Apr 2014

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Those of you who know me, or have followed my blog for some time, are aware of two of my addictions– 1. To Carrabba’s Italian Grill and 2. To cooking risottos– so it was only natural for me to create this Carrabba’s style Chicken Bryan Risotto. Their Chicken Bryan is their most popular chicken dish–with a lemon butter sauce, goat’s cheese and sundried tomatoes on top, it has the perfect combination of tangy, tart, salty, sweet and citrusy! It’s divine. I decided to make my absolute favorite, creamy, cheesy heavenly risotto recipe, and combine the Chicken Bryan with it into one DELICIOUS dish. I was imagining it to be pretty spectacular, but, it turned out even better than i’d hoped! It’s rich, creamy and cheesy with the perfect balance of sweet, and tart and salty! I know it’s quite a bit of work, but it’s oh so worth it!
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