April 18, 2014
We’ve had the first sunny weekends of the year and many Britons have tentatively moved out into the garden and lit their BBQ sets. Whilst some are satisfied with just being able to enjoy regular BBQ far outside with only 2 layers on, many will be looking for something a bit different, something a little interesting. Here are a few Indian-inspired BBQ ideas.
Grilled Fish Masala
This fish dish is a perfect light starter for a BBQ with a slight lemon piquant perfectly complementing the subtle tastes of the fish. Rub fillets of white fish with lemon juice, salt and coriander and leave to sit for 30 minutes whilst preparing a marinade of yoghurt, ginger, garlic powder and garam masala. Then marinate the fish in the yoghurt mix for one hour before placing the fish onto a BBQ for 7 minutes on each side.
BBQ Naan
This is not a simple ‘make do’ recipe, this is one of the most effective way to make delicious naan breads ever conceived. This can be eaten alongside the starter or the main or enjoyed with chilled dips. Dissolve yeast in warm water and then stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt and flour to make a soft dough. Knead these for 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Set aside to rise for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and knead in minced garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough, roughly the size of golf balls and roll into balls. Place them on a tray and cover with a cloth and allow to rise for 30 minutes. Flatten the balls and place them on the BBQ and cook for 30 minutes and then turn over. Brush the cook side with butter and cook until browned.
Fresh Dips
The leisurely pursuit of al fresco dining lends itself perfectly to the relaxed nature of consuming dips. Whilst dips can be bought from your local store, it is always more enjoyable to make your own. For a delicious mint Raita, simply coarsely grate half a cucumber into a bowl. Food process a tub of Greek yoghurt, fresh mint leaves and coriander. When this is well blended, mix in the cucumber.
Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Food on a skewer is perfect for large BBQ parties where people may be forced to stand as they negate the need for plates. Mix tandoori masala, lemon juice, yoghurt, ginger, garlic and chili in a bowl and marinate strips of chicken breast in the mixture. Then simply skewer the marinated chicken and grill on the BBQ for 7 minutes on each side.
