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Sunday, June 20, 2010

RecipeReplica: Gravy Chicken - Leafy Green & Fiery Red For Father's Day

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I dedicate this post to my dad and to all fabulous dads out there -
Happy Father's Day 2010
This day is extra special because this also happens to be the 100th Father's day.
On this extra special day, I want to share a little about my dad - My dad is from a large family of Seven. He was born in a poor family to parents who didn't know much besides farming. Since he was the eldest, he had to be responsible not just for himself but also for his siblings..With such a heavy burden weighing on his young shoulders he had to step-up in life. And step-up he did by studying hard under street lights.Monetary help came from his teachers who recognized his potential. He was ranked 6th in All-India exam that got him an entry into the prestigious Indian Institute of Science(India's Ivy League)  for Ph.D program . Then he came here as a Post-Doc in the early 80s and moved up from there. While he attained new heights, he made sure all his siblings did as well. They are all highly-educated and well placed in high-paying jobs both here and in India to which they owe credit to none other than my dad. My dad is truly one of a kind and there aren't many like him..I am yet to see that kind of sacrifice and selflessness in this day and age.While he has his shortcomings,eccentricities and peculiarities, as all of us have, he still is very special and deserves to be put on a pedestal.

About the recipe- Even though my dad's favorite is Onion Dosa/Uttappam(Indian Crepes) and seeds/nuts, he likes any chicken dish I make when he comes for a visit.Next time when he stops by, I am making this and Kross-Bred Kesari for him. As vouched by Deeba the Cilantro Chicken was truly delicious and totally irresistible. I only saw this recently at her blog and I just had. to. try. I don't have to introduce Deeba because almost every food blogger(with a penchant for baking) would have at one point in time or other visited her space because she has an awesome collection of 'cakes and bakes' and every picture in her posts are a visual treat - A revelation - Food Porn, if you will.Her blog is in the Top 100 food blogs this year. So definitely go check her space out for a double treat--Visual and a bonus -- Yes, there is also a  CSNStores $80 giftcard giveaway happening at her space that ends on 06/27/10.
Now on to the recipe-

Cilantro Chicken(Adapted from Deeba's Green Chutney Chicken):
Ingredients:
  • Chicken Drumsticks - 8, skinned and slit at several spots
For The Leafy Green Gravy:
  • Cilantro minus the stalks - 1 1/2 cups, packed
  • Onion - 1, large, diced
  • Cashew - 1/4 cups
  • Peppercorns - 1 tsp
  • Green Chillies - 2-3, vertically slit
  • Garlic - 3 large cloves or 6-7 small cloves
  • Ginger - 1/2 inch
  • Campari Tomato - 2 (Feel free to use any small- midsized tomatoes
  • Olive Oil - 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp
  • Clove - 2
  • Fennel Seeds - 1/2 tsp
For The Marinade:
  • Yogurt - 3 tbsp
  • Turmeric Powder - a pinch
  • Cracked Pepper - 1 tsp
  • Salt - a pinch
Procedure:
  • In a Ziploc bag, add the roughly mixed marinade ingredients and throw in the cleaned + slit chicken drumsticks. Let it sit overnight.
  • In a really wide saute pan, heat a tbsp of oil and add fennel seeds, Garlic, Onion, Green chillies, Peppercorns. Saute until the onion is slightly browned. Now add the cashew nuts and saute for a couple more minutes. Add the ginger, tomatoes and stir until the tomatoes lose the rawness for about 7-8 minutes.
  • Switch off the stove and add the cilantro. Cool the mixture completely and grind to a fine paste along with salt and very little water. Check for taste.
  • In the same wide saute pan, add a tbsp of oil and heat it till it almost smokes.
  • Sear the marinated chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side. This keeps the chicken moist and juicy. 
  • Pour the ground Cilantro paste on top, add about 1/2 cup of water and lid the pan. Cook on medium flame for 15-20 minutes with occasional turning. 
  • Check for taste and switch off the stove once the gravy thickens.
  • Serve on top of hot rice. 
Makes ~4 Servings.

Enjoy!
      Although DH's "model hubby behavior" is debatable, he does strive to be a great dad to our pipsqueak. So he deserves a treat today as well. I plan on making multi-grain muffins for breakfast, Shrimp and Pineapple curry for noon and fiery chicken(MIL's recipe), my hubby's favorite for dinner with flat-bread.
      Recipe for this Fiery Gravy Chicken will be posted soon.
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      40 comments:

      1. What a wonderful post, a nice tribute to your dad and Husband! You are right, they just don't make them like that anymore. (That is what my card said to my dad this year).
        These sound like wonderful dishes, and I am so hungry for them now! (I haven't had breakfast yet).
        Happy Father's Day to your family!

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      2. very nice recipe,and my special wishes to your great dad.happy fathers day.

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      3. Dear Lassi (e)
        I dont know if I will ever be able to meet you, but will certainly like to meet your father...I feel good reading your Dad's achievements and great Dad indeed!!!.
        I shall get the recipe of brownie and give it to SOMEONE as soon as I am back ( baking is her dept as I make the oven very dirty).
        This chicken recipe is really good..I can feel the taste.
        Now please publish firy chicken ..I have preserved some firy thai chilis for special occasions and dishes. ha ha
        Have a nice week ahead
        Ushnishda

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      4. Beautiful tribute to your dad.I am sure he is going to love the chicken dish.

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      5. A very moving tribute to ur father...You must be lucky to have a father like him. Enjoy and spend as much time with ur parents as possible. There is no other in the world who will love us so purely and unconditionally as them. i am not fortunate to have my father with me to celebrate... miss him so much...
        This chicken curry defenitely looks so much like his kind... Looks so yummy . Will defenitely try it.

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      6. Beautiful words dedicated to your father and so is this dish. Must be very flavourful.
        Here, in Italy, Father's day is celebrated on 19 March.

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      7. Hi Lassie

        You have such a wonderful Father that any child will be proud of.Fabulous Chicken preparation. Loved the color and Texture.

        Deepa
        Hamaree Rasoi

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      8. although I am a vegetarian, I find your creation very appetizing! Maybe I can try same recipe with tofu or paneer?..I loved reading your story! Fathers are special- and some of them are real heroes!

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      9. Wonderful recipe and nice post on father and hubby.

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      10. Thank you for the wonderful mention, and for trying the recipe; I am truly humbled. You are a beautiful daughter, and what a gorgeous tribute this is to your Dad! That fiery chicken is calling my name! YUM!!

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      11. quelle assiette très appétissant vous avez dû vous régaler
        délicieux
        bonne soirée

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      12. quelle assiette très appétissant vous avez dû vous régaler
        délicieux
        bonne soirée

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      13. This prep of yours reminds me of my Long Time Not Cooked Mint Chicken prep..... I have to try it soon & post about it too.... That was a hit at home before wedding.... I ought to try it soon.... This prep of yours is very appetizing..... And yes thanks for all the kind words u shared on my work.... I love being appreciated ;-) only for my worth, of course..... Hugs ))))

        Ash....
        (http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)

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      14. fiery chicken sure looks delicious..cant wait for the recipe

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      15. Thanks for sharing that lovely story about your father!!
        The Curry looks fantastic!!

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      16. Wat a beautiful tribute to ur dad..Green chicken looks lipsmacking!!

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      17. what a wonderful father's day tribute post, Lassi! Your father sounds like a wonderful person and a great dad. Cilantro chicken looks delicious and a perfect way to celebrate this day.

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      18. @Vegetarian Yogini -
        Please feel free to try with Potatoes, Paneer or Tofu. Gravy should taste good be it meat or not.

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      19. Happy Fathers Day.
        Lovely and delicious recipe for such special occasion ♥

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      20. delicious chicken...tempting. Happy father's day to your family

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      21. Wow Lassie, beautiful post, It looks delicious and mouthwatering. Droolworthy pics ..

        love
        Kairali sisters

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      22. Great post! Wonderful story about your dad. He sounds like a very special guy. Your recipe looks pretty special too:) Amazing combo of flavors.

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      23. lovely pictures and a delicious recipe!

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      24. Both the chicken dishes looks great..Enjoyed reading your write up !!

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      25. Tongue tickling recipe dear. I m droolin over..Definitely a tempting dish to enjoy.
        Happy Father's Day...!

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      26. wow your Dad sounds like a star and great chicken recipe, hope you try the black rice love the idea of adding edamame

        love Rebecca

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      27. Lovely post. Wonder if we can ever do what our dad's have achieved!

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      28. Very cute tribute to your father! 6TH on his test in all of India! The man is a genius.

        I love the sound of this cilantro chicken...one of my favorite herbs!

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      29. Oh that is very sweet my dear!
        Will try this during my next Indian week. Can't wait for the other recipe!

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      30. Delicious chicken gravy and gorgeous clicks dear:)

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      31. Very nice to know about your dad .Hope you had a great time yesterday.

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      32. lovely father's day post. youe hubby must have been happy too with that scrumptious meals. both the chicken dishes looks great. but my Hubby would prefer that fiery one...

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      33. lovely father's day post. youe hubby must have been happy too with that scrumptious meals. both the chicken dishes looks great. but my Hubby would prefer that fiery one...

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      34. Looks like you had a great Father's day celebration! Delicious chicken!

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      35. Hey what a co incidence even i posted abt chicken in my blog...Happy Fathers Day to u too...and perfect and yummy gravy chicken...nice new template design Cool Lassie

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      36. coollassie really delicious chicken curry.. sure nice treat on this wonderful day..Happy father's day,, nice toread bt ur father..

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      37. this looks awesome! drooling at the gravy!

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      38. made the cilatro chicken for dinner yesterday- it was a big hit! thanks lassie!

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      39. oh, and I used the cilantro stalks- just make sure they're washed and tender(ish). The pack a ton of flavor!!!

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      Thanks a bunch for your valuable comments and continued support.They are very much appreciated. Yes,like "Rain on Dry Land" and like "Oasis in Desert Sand".
      XoXo, Cool Lassi(e)