Thursday, September 17, 2009

tandoori chicken and couscous

The weather has been getting cooler. Some days are beautiful and sunny while others are kind of gloomy and rainy.

I think Autumn is almost here. At the market, they have started bringing in the chestnuts and pears.

Not sure why I was craving tandoori chicken, but I was.

The last time I made this, there was a slight "problem" in the kitchen.

This time around everything went okay, except that my lack of counter space made for balancing things here and there.

I bought chicken breasts with the skins on this time and marinated them lunch. (since they should marinate for about 4 hours)

The market had an awesome sale on chicken, 48 yen for 100 grams, so I only paid 172 yen (about US$1.72) for 358 grams.

Then at about 15:00 (snack time), I flipped them over in the marinade.

Previously, the pieces I had were smaller with no skin, so I cooked them for only 10 minutes then under the broiler for 17.

Since the pieces I had this time had the skin on them and were thicker, I put them into a 350F (180C) oven (skin side up) for 30 minutes then under the broiler for about 5 minutes.

The skin came out so crisp (of course I had to eat the one I had for dinner!), the meat was very moist.

I also made some carrot salad and couscous with dried fig, cranberries, apricots and nuts (pine nuts, pecan & cashew). I also roasted some red bell pepper and onion. Since I had some cucumber to use up, I cut it up and added it to the plate.

Not the most aesthetic plate, overall it was kind of labor intensive, it was a tasty dinner, which made it all worth it, plus we have leftovers so I don't have to cook tomorrow.

14 comments:

KirkK said...

Hey Kat - Nothing like great crispy skin on chicken!

Suze said...

The chicken looks good. Glad to hear that things went smoothly this time. (^0^)

K and S said...

Isn't it lovely, Kirk? :)

Thanks Suze, I'm glad everything went smoothly too :)

Take care you two.
Kat

Anonymous said...

That looks so delicious! I've never made it like that but I think your way might be a little more authentic.

K and S said...

It does take some time to do Momiji, but very worth it :)

Take care.
Kat

Rowena said...

Chestnuts and pears already? Autumn really seems to be on time, even little bit early this year for us. Not complaining, but I wouldn't mind if we get snow too.

That is one local-style mixed plate!

K and S said...

Thanks Rowena, weird how everything is early this year. Me too, I'm not complaining, love the cooler weather.

Take care.
Kat

Deb in Hawaii said...

Is that the plate you were saving for me?! ;-) It looks really good--I am now craving Indian food tonight.

K and S said...

Yup that was it Debinhawaii :) Hope you like it!

Take care.
Kat

Lori said...

Look really good! And I'm glad it's getting cooler over there for you guys! :)

K and S said...

Thanks Lori :) hope you are well.

Take care.
Kat

Unknown said...

Oh couscous... I don't know if I can eat that because it wasn't one of the tested foods. I've never prepared couscous and I'm wondering if I should try it one day.

K and S said...

I hope you can eat this, Rick, it is really delicious, I think it is similar to, if not pasta. I guess you may have to read the box for the ingredients before making it. Oh, and when you do make couscous, just be warned that a little makes a LOT! :) Good luck with your food searchings.

Take care.
Kat

K and S said...

Sorry missed your comment Laura...Thanks :)

Take care.
Kat