This recipe is for those days when you are in the mood for a candle light dinner( Of course you can try this all in one dish any day) and want to come up with something impressive.The chicken satay(with a twist) is tangy with a smoky flavor and turns out yummy.You can either use chicken cubes or boneless strips. The rice is mildly flavored and goes well with the chicken. You can use your own flavors for the rice or try this one. Go ahead and give it a shot. Serve it with a fruit mock tail. It’s sure to be a hit…

For Chicken

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken cubes                    :  20
• Salt                                                        :  to taste
• Red chilli powder                               :  1 tsp.
• Vinegar                                                 :  2 tbsp.
• Oil                                                          :  2 tbsp
• Tandoor Masala                                  :  1 tbsp.( In case of                                                                            non- availability                                                                             use all-   spice powder)                           

Method:

Marinate the chicken in all the ingredients and half the oil. Thread into wooden skewers, approx. 5 in each. Heat a non stick griddle and brush the remaining oil. Place the skewers in the griddle and let cook on low heat till done on both sides. For a smoky flavor, hold the skewer over fire for a few seconds on each side. You can do this on a charcoal grill if you have the patience, but this works out just fine.

For the Rice

Ingredients:

• Long grain basmati rice                      :  2 cups
• Onion fried golden                               :  1/2 a cup
• Tomato                                                   :  1 small chopped
• Ginger garlic paste                               :  1 tbsp.
• Cloves                                                     :  2
• Cardomom                                            :  2
• Cinnamon                                              :  2 inch stick
• Salt                                                          :  to taste
• Red chilli powder                                 :  1 tsp. or to taste
• Yogurt                                                    :  2 tbsp.
• Oil                                                            :  1 tbsp.
• Lemon juice                                          :  1 tsp.
• Saffron flavored milk                         :   1/2 a cup

Method:

Soak rice for half an hour. Cook till half done in boiling salted water till half done.Strain and keep aside.Heat oil in a vessel and fry cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger garlic paste. Add chopped tomato and fried onion and fry for a while. Add yogurt and fry till oil separates. Add lemon juice and take off heat.

In a greased vessel layer the half done rice . On top of it spread the cooked mixture . Sprinkle half a cup of saffron flavored milk over it and close the lid tightly.Cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Put the rice in heart shaped molds . Demold and serve with the chicken.Enjoy.

Alternate Rice Recipe : 

You could also flavor the rice dish in another much simpler way. In a vessel put a tablespoon of oil. Heat it and add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and fry lightly. Put 4 cups of water and some salt. Add 2 cups of pre-soaked rice and cover with lid. Cook till water evaporates. Press into heart shaped molds and serve. 

Cooking tip:

Soak wooden skewers in water for an hour before you thread the chicken. It will prevent the skewers from burning.