Indo-style Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki uses Mediterranean herbs and flavors, this Indo adaptation incorporates traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The marinade also includes yogurt and lemon juice, which adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish. The Indo-style grilled chicken skewers are cooked on a grill or barbecue, giving them a smoky and charred flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes (1.1 lb) 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes (1.1 lb)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (240ml) 1 cup plain yogurt (240ml)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, paprika, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure that the chicken is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Yogurt — Use plain yogurt with no added flavors or sweeteners for the marinade.
• Ginger — Peel the ginger before grating it for a smoother texture in the marinade.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly.
• Cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for garnish to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
• Serve the skewers with a side of mint chutney or raita for a refreshing contrast to the spices.
• If you don't have a grill or barbecue, you can also cook the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes.
• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes by threading them onto the skewers along with the chicken for added flavor and color.

Serving advice

Serve the Indo-style grilled chicken skewers hot as a main course with a side of fragrant basmati rice or naan bread. They can also be enjoyed as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, accompanied by a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the chicken. The vibrant colors of the spices and the charred edges of the chicken will make for an enticing presentation.