Indian Masala Chicken Thighs with Mango Lassi Sauce Recipe

This dish is a delightful fusion of the robust flavors of Indian spices and the sweet, cooling sensation of a popular Indian drink, the Mango Lassi. It symbolizes the meeting of the old and the new, the classic and the inventive, evoking memories of bustling Indian markets and serene mango groves.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons garam masala

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Salt to taste

For the Mango Lassi Sauce:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil, and salt. Rub the chicken thighs with this mixture, ensuring they're well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake until they're cooked through and the skin is crispy. This should take around 35-40 minutes.

4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mango lassi sauce. In a blender, combine the diced mango, yogurt, honey, and cardamom. Blend until smooth.

5. Serve the masala chicken thighs hot, drizzled with the mango lassi sauce.

Cooking Time & Servings: Prep time is around 15 minutes (plus marinating time), and cooking time is 35-40 minutes. This recipe serves 3-4 people.

Drink Pairing: A cold Indian beer like Kingfisher or a crisp Riesling would balance the spiciness of the chicken. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled mint and cucumber infused water would work well.

Chef's Tips:

1. Marinating the chicken overnight will help the flavors to penetrate more deeply.

2. You can adjust the heat of the chicken by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

3. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little water to the mango lassi sauce and blend again.