Food scientist and owner of Exotic Palates, Anu Seshadri is a culinary instructor in the greater Twin Cities area. She also teaches cooking courses through Osseo Area Community Education, so anyone can learn the subtleties of Asian cooking. Coming from an avid cooking background in India, Seshadri loves giving Minnesotans an introduction to Southeast Asian cuisine. Here is one of her easy favorites, a classic chicken hors d’oeuvre with fiery flavors from the days of the maharajahs.
Chicken Tikka
Serves 6 to 8
- ½ onion, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1-inch piece ginger, crushed
- 2 tsp. cayenne pepper powder or smoked sweet paprika
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup lemon juice (bottled)
- 1½ lb. boneless chicken breasts, cleaned
Puree first 6 ingredients in blender. Drizzle in lemon juice and blend until smooth. Cut chicken breasts into 1¼-inch cubes. Add chicken and marinate for 2 to 8 hours in refrigerator.
Heat a grill pan or large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add 2 tbsp. of canola oil and grill the chicken cubes until well done on all sides.
Skewer chicken pieces and cook under very hot broiler; turning frequently for 15 minutes.
Serve with toothpicks and a cool bowl of whipped yogurt.
At Osseo Junior High School:
Ring in the Chinese New Year with a dim sum party with Chef Anu: January 28, 6:30-9 p.m.
Travel to exotic India in the Curry ‘n’ Bread Cooking Class: April 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
At Maple Grove Junior High School: Enjoy the KItchens of the Mediterranean: May 5, 6:30-9 p.m.
For more info on Seshadri’s local cooking classes or to register, visit osseo.thatscommunityed.com and exoticpalates.com.
