Grilled Spiced Chicken Skewers with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

In this Indo adaptation, we replace the traditional Georgian spices with a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The original Mtsvadi is typically made with pork or beef, but we use chicken for a lighter and more accessible option. Additionally, we incorporate fragrant basmati rice instead of the traditional Georgian side dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Mtsvadi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into cubes
• 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (960ml) water 4 cups (960ml) water
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 green cardamom pods 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional) A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, paprika, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice.
6. 6.
   In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
7. 7.
   Add the drained rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the spices and ghee.
8. 8.
   Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. 9.
   Optional: Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes. Drizzle the saffron water over the cooked rice and gently fluff it with a fork to distribute the saffron color.
10. 10.
    Serve the grilled spiced chicken skewers over the aromatic basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For best results, use boneless chicken thighs as they are more tender and flavorful than chicken breast. If using chicken breast, marinate it for a shorter time to prevent it from becoming dry.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains. Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking can also enhance its texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• For a smokier flavor, you can cook the chicken skewers on a charcoal grill.
• Serve the tandoori chicken skewers with a side of mint chutney or raita for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftover chicken skewers can be used in wraps, salads, or sandwiches for a delicious meal the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Aromatic Basmati Rice as a main course. Accompany it with a side of mint chutney, raita, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter over a bed of aromatic basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of mint chutney and lemon wedges for an inviting presentation.