Vij's Yogurt and Tamarind Marinated Grilled Chicken

Here is another excellent recipe of Vikram Vij from his restaurant Vij's in Vancouver. Lots of flavor but very simple to make. I post it as it is originally, but I did cut down on the salt. The recipe said 1 1/2 tablespoon of salt! I think it was a mistake. I have after making it twice cut it down to 1 1/2 teaspoon. Feel free to use more. If you ever visit Vancouver BC...you must go to Vij's!!!

• Ready In: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup plain yogurt
• 1  tablespoon tamarind paste (Asian supermarket)
• 3  tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt (or to taste, see intro)
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 1  tablespoon garam masala or 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 1⁄4 lbs  boneless chicken thighs, approx 6 oz per serving
• 1  lemon, cut into 6 wedges (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the yogurt, tamarind, garlic, canola, salt, cayenne and garam massala.
2. Add the chicken, mix and make sure the chicken is covered with the marinade.
3. Cover and marinate for a minimum of 4 hours but 8 is prefered.
4. Preheat a grill, barbeque or stovetop cast-iron grill to high heat(if doing this indoors make sure you switch on your exhaust fan,there will be smoke whilst grilling on the high heat. (doing this in a pan does not work for me, it makes a mess and does not brown so well, grill or barbeque gave me a better result).
5. Grill the thighs 2 minutes on each side, then again 2 minutes on each side.
6. Check or the thighs are done, if still pink continue grilling.
7. Serve with the lemon wedges.
8. Note: Tamarind paste should be as thick as jam, if thinner use up to 1 tablespoon more.