Tangy Pork Skewers with Yogurt Dip

Hey pals! It’s crazy Christmas month and I have not prepared pork since a long time. Last time I prepared Sweet and Sour Pork, and I’m glad that everyone appreciated it so much. So a big thank you. This time I thought of including a marinade recipe, coz it has a unique flavor of it’s own. Skewers add on to the party mood. Tangy food on the stick make a great appetizer. Everyone loves preparing skewers for their utmost ease and versatility. 

A well prepared marinade not only keeps the grilling food flavorful and moist, but they make it healthier imbibing the citrus agent within. The best part is that this is a flexible recipe where in you can grill or fry pork as per choice. Nevertheless, they are a great addition to a buffet table. An appetizer is incomplete without crazy Christmas dips. Isn't it? More than these tangy pork skewers, I’m excited about the cucumber, dill and yogurt dip. The winning dip would definitely score big at any gathering. This is truly a party dip. So, ready for the party fun with some real tasty yummzz?

Ingredients:-

2 cups Plain Yogurt,

8 small White Onions,

4 minced Garlic Cloves,

900 grams Pork Cubes,

1 diced Red Bell Pepper,

1 diced Yellow Bell Pepper,

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice,

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin,

1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander.

Preparation Method:-

1. Prepare the marinade. In a bowl combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and coriander. Mix well. Add pork, cover and refrigerate for about 6 hours.

2. Cut bell peppers into squares. Add pork, onions and peppers onto the skewers. Preheat the grill.

3. Grill for about 35 minutes or until pork is cooked properly. You can also fry incase you are fond of fried pork yummzz. Serve with your favorite dip.

Cucumber, Dill and Yogurt Dip 

This is my favorite dip. The best part of this dip is that it can be made a day before the Christmas. Keep it in refrigerator and serve when the skewers are completely ready.

Ingredients:-

2 cups Yogurt,

1 tablespoon Salt,

1 grated Cucumber,

1/2 cup Sour Cream,

1 tablespoon Olive Oil,

1 minced Garlic Clove,

2 tablespoons minced Dill,

2 tablespoons Lemon juice.

Preparation Method:-

1. Take a bowl. Place yogurt in sieve. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow to drain in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Mix cucumber and 1 tablespoon salt in small bowl. Cover and chill 3 hours. Transfer drained yogurt to another bowl.

3. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, dill and garlic. Squeeze out excess liquid from cucumber. Stir cucumber into yogurt.

4. Season with pepper. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Enjoy with skewers :D

Merry Christmas!

Brad Pitt and His Love for Indian Food

Brad Pitt loves Angelina Jolie from the bottom of his heart. But it is often said, there is no sincerer love other than the love for food. Let’s see what the heartthrob of millions, Brad Pitt actually loves to eat.  "He really misses their Indian takeaway nights from where they lived in Surrey, 2006. Angelina arranged a surprise for a load of it to be cooked and flash-freeze packed for her to fly home" says a source. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited India in the year 2006. They also enjoyed an auto ride in Mumbai. During his visit to India, he was really fascinated by Indian food.

Let’s have a look at what among the Indian cuisine, he still misses. Indian cuisine or South Asian cuisine is unique coz Indian food is different in different part of India itself. From Rajma-chawal in the North to Masala Dosa in the South, India is diverse as far as food is concerned. Yes, Brad Pitt is in love with North Indian curries. He loves lamb bhuna, chicken korma and chicken tikka plus beer. Curry and beer, perfect combination. Isn’t it? So what is so special about the Indian curries?

Lamb Bhuna (Roasted Lamb Curry) - Lamb Bhuna takes time to be cooked but the result is really worth it. It is a relishing curry, flavoured with home-roasted and ground spices that blend very well with succulent cubes of lamb. It is serve with steamed rice. 

Chicken Korma (Creamy Chicken Curry) - Chicken korma consists of of boneless pieces of chicken. Chicken is cooked with almond sauce and Indian spices. The aroma of garlic, ginger and the homemade cream completely satisfy the taste buds. It is served with steamed rice, tandoori roti or naan. Tandoori roti (Indian bread) is made with up of wheat flour. It is traditionally cooked in clay oven. Naan is flat-bread.

Chicken Tikka (Skewers and Curry) - Chicken tikka is of two types, in form of skewers and in form of curry. I have written on Reshmi Kebabs, do check it out. It’s somewhat similar

• Chicken Tikka (Skewers) - Quick and easy recipe, that is made up of marinated chunk of boneless chicken. It is grilled/roasted or barbecued and is ultimate Indian spicy comfort food. It serves as a great appetizer, and is very common in Indian weddings and parties. It goes very well with hard drinks, especially beer and variant mocktails. Punjabi’s love it. It is served with naan and mint chutney.
• Chicken Tikka (Curry) - The creamy, red color chicken curry is so very appealing to the eyes. It is loaded with lemony garlicky zest plus thick cream from the healthy buffaloes of Punjab, he he! The grounded spices and creamy chicken is something our taste buds will always desire for. Ready-made curry-mix is also available in the shops, we just have to cook according to the package’s direction.

This is the reason why Brad Pitt fell in love with Indian food. I must compliment, really strong bond!!

Best of Luck for World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

For all the food experts out here, this is a must read!! In the early 70's, the commerce department of Memphis Area (Non-profit organization) created list of plans for the festival as a promotional umbrella for number of events. It included Cotton Carnival, the Danny Thomas Golf Classic etc. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was introduced in the year 1978 at Tom Lee Park. This included 20 teams and prize money of $1,000. The event has earned the title of “Super Bowl of Swine”.

The 38 years old organization which had a modest budget of $52,000 has become popular all over the world with the budget of 7.0 million dollars. This is one of the most North America’s leading festivals. This year, the event starts from May 15  to May 17, 2014. So friends are you ready for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Panama??

Get some classic barbeque recipes out here. Just have a look!!

Top 5 Non-vegetarian Barbecue Recipes

1. Barbeque Jack Chicken Recipe

The best way to use chicken breast and enjoy it to the fullest is to baste it with pepper Jack cheese. Pepper Jack cheese has spicy, delicate and buttery flavor that blends very well with the meat. Serve with baked beans. Relish these simple grilled chicken breasts!!

2. Salmon Grilled in Foil Recipe

The incredibly tender salmon fish is super delicious when grilled or barbequed in it’s own juices. We can use the onion and tomato curry mix over it to balance the flavor of fresh salmon and relish it with French fries.

3. Filipino BBQ Pork Kabobs

Did you know that by the thickness of the meat, you can judge for how long you have to marinade the pork?? Sweet and fruity marinade works great with pork. We’ve got number of marinated sauces as well in the coming blog. You can have a look at our sweet and sour pork with pineapple.

4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Going for a picnic or hosting a summer dinner party?? Save your grilling time. This recipe has long list of ingredients but rates among the top finger foods and is quick and easy to prepare. Try the heavenly tacos with ultra spicy grilled shrimps. Your kids are gonna love it!!

5. Barbecue Boneless Beef Short Ribs

While barbecuing beef, make it a point to use short ribs. Again a sweet and spicy rub would be great combo. Smoky chipotle barbecue sauce will add on to to the party mood. If the meat starts to fall almost from the bones, this means our grill is ready to be served. Serve with corn salad and herbs. Enjoy!!