Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 Cup packed fresh cilantro
- 1 Cup packed fresh mint
- 1/2 Cup sliced shallots
- 1/4 Cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons garam masala*
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh gingerroot
- 1 Teaspoon sugar
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 chopped jalapeno pepper
- 1 Cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper; to taste
- 20 wooden skewers, 6 to 8-inches long
- 2 Pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Procedure
California Raisin Sambal
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh gingerroot
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 red jalapeno peppers, stemmed and chopped
- 2 Cups California golden raisins
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 Cup rice wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper; to taste
Chicken Marinade
In food processor or blender, blend together cilantro, mint, shallots, lemon juice, garam masala, ginger, sugar, garlic and jalapeno. Slowly add vegetable oil, blending thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Set skewers to soak in water for 1 hour. Lightly pound chicken breasts. Cut lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips, 3 to 4-inches long. Thread chicken strips onto skewers; brush with marinade. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
California Raisin Sambal
Heat oil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, ginger, garlic and jalapenos, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in raisins and turmeric; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vinegar, simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until all liquid evaporates. Purée mixture; season with salt and pepper.
Preheat grill or broiler. Arrange skewers in single layer; grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until chicken is no longer pink at thickest part. Serve arranged on red leaf lettuce with sambal on the side.
Note: Garam masala is a mixture of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cumin and coriander found in ethnic/specialty stores. Mild curry powder can be used as a substitute.