Tandoori Drumsticks with Cucumber Salad

By AliceV

This was kind of messy and involved to make, but the end result was very tasty. Used drumsticks, thighs, and half-breasts. Also stretched the cooking time by 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• FOR SALAD:
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek-style yogurt
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• FOR CHICKEN:
• 1 piece (2 inches) ginger, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small chili pepper, cored and cut up
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
• 12 chicken drumsticks
• Oil (for the pan)
• 1 1/2 lemons, cut into wedges

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from boston.com

Preparation

Step 1

FOR SALAD:
In a bowl, combine cucumber, onion, garlic, mint, cilantro, lemon juice, yogurt, salt and pepper. Stir well.

Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper if you like.

FOR CHICKEN:
1. In a blender, combine the ginger, garlic, tomato paste, chili, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, salt, and water. Blend for 1 minute to form a paste. Add the yogurt; pulse to mix it in.

2. In a roasting pan, arrange the drumsticks in one layer. Pour the yogurt mixture on top and turn the chicken to coat it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.

3. Set the oven at 450 degrees.

4. Place wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. With paper towels, oil the rack. Arrange the chicken on the rack in one layer. Reserve marinade.

5. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes. Brush with extra marinade. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Turn and brush again with marinade. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. (Total cooking time is 45 minutes.) Reserve 4 drumsticks for vindaloo. Serve the chicken with cucumber salad and lemon wedges.

© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.