This recipe comes from a yellowed newspaper clipping in my recipe binder that must be at least 10 years old. I don’t make it that often, but when I do, I feel proud of its presentation and flavor. Last time I made it, I was expecting a dinner guest that couldn’t come at the last minute. My husband and I were left with this entire platter of chicken. Hearing a few of my neighbors on the deck below us, I went down and lured them up to help us eat it! We had such a grand time. Sometimes, the last moment dinner parties are the best ones. No big expectations.
I have ever met Enid Carlson Nagel, whose proud smiling face is on this old newspaper clipping of mine with this chicken recipe. But, the short introduction to her Tandoori Chicken states that she lives in Sparta, Michigan, enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, reading, travel, music and the performing arts. Enid and her husband George have five children. I bet all those hungry hands reached for many-a-platter of her delicious tandoori chicken!
Although I am tempted to close this post on that high note and leave Enid in the spotlight, I must share a giggle about what I just discovered on the back of this clipping. I haven’t taken the recipe out of my recipe binder until now, in search of a date. On the flip side, I found a “help column” to a Dr. Donohue. It reads,
Dear Dr. Donohue: My husband has high blood pressure. He takes three medicines for it. Can anyone sue the pill companies? These pills have messed up our sex life. – Anon.”
Dr. Donohue gives a long, thoughtful reply, ending in a conclusion like this:
The situation is far from hopeless. I know you have heard of Viagra, the pill that can restore potency. There are others. Mechanical devices also are available. Before jumping into more medicines and surgical options, try a simple change of blood pressure medicines since there are many on the market.
Wow. Thank God we have help columns to help one lay out the options. Good thing Dr. Donohue stepped in before Anon. hired a lawyer to sue: Plaintiff sues Pill Company for Messing Up Sex Life.
Enid Carlson Nagel’s Indian Tandoori Chicken on the Grill
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled
4 large cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 t turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 Tablespoon freshly-squeezed lime juice
Few drops of red food coloring, if desired (I leave this out)
Chicken and Garnish:
2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1-2 fresh jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
1 lim, sliced and cut in wedges
For the marinade, in a blender or food processor, blend the ginger and garlic into a paste, adding a little water if necessary. Add the turmeric, chili powder, salt, cumin, yogurt and lime juice. Add coloring if desired. Process until combined. Coat chicken well with all marinade and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to cook, grill chicken over hot coals, baste with marinade. Cover and grill and cook chicken for 5 minutes. Remove and covera nd turn over chicken pieces. Chicken should look slightly charred. Cover and continue cooking another 5-7 minutes, depending on your grill. Uncover the chicken and baste with marinade and grill, uncovered until juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
To serve, place chicken pieces on a large platter. Top with onion, cilantro, jalapeno slices and lime wedges. Cover the dish with foil and let sit about 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs garnish flavors. Makes about 6 servings.