Sauces and Dips

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well.
2. Add your choice of protein or vegetables to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer (up to overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.
4. When ready to cook, remove the protein or vegetables from the marinade and cook as desired (grill, bake, or pan-fry).
5. Discard any remaining marinade that has come into contact with raw meat before cooking.

You can use the masala marinade recipe to marinate chicken, vegetables, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or other proteins. Here’s how to use it:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, lemon juice, spices, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Marinate the Protein: Place your choice of protein (chicken, vegetables, paneer) in the marinade. Ensure that the protein is well coated with the marinade. For chicken, you can use boneless chicken pieces or chicken on the bone.
3. Marinating Time: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a zip-top bag. Refrigerate the marinated protein for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the protein.
4. Cooking: After marinating, you can cook the protein using your preferred method. For example, you can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken or vegetables. If using wooden skewers for kebabs, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the marinated protein.
5. Serve: Once the protein is cooked through and has developed a nice char or color, it is ready to be served. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, naan, or other side dishes.

This masala marinade adds a depth of flavor to your dishes and is a great way to infuse your protein with Indian spices. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.

This marinade is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add or substitute spices and herbs based on what you have on hand or your preferred flavor profile.