Mint chicken- a tantalizing fusion

The use of mint has been a culture in North African and European cuisines. Mediterranean cuisines are also very much  influenced by the use of mint. This herb is used for medicinal purposes and a natural remedy for flatulence and digestive complains to fever. This dish Mint chicken is a 'fusion item', with a little difference from the normal recipes.  The use of mint brings about a freshness and innovation in the culinary art and the normal traditional taste of chicken. Let me share the secret of this recipe.

Ingredients:
Chicken ( 350 gms., only breast or leg pcs.)
Mint leaves ( 2 bundles, normal size available in the market),
Coriander leaves ( 2 bundles, normal size available in the market),
Green chilly (3-4 medium sized),
Lime juice (3 teaspoon) ,
Fennel seeds( 20gms. soaked in water for 30 mins.),
Garlic paste ( 1 teaspoon),
Onion ( 1 medium sized , chopped),
Oil for frying,
Salt as per taste.

Procedure:
Mint leaves, coriander leaves bought from the market should be washed properly under water, and finally with warm water so as to avoid the minutest amount of dirt and any germ(bacteria, fungus) for consideration, that might affect one's health.  Make a paste with mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, lime juice in a blender or in the normal mortar n pastel.  Remove the paste and keep aside.  Marinate the chicken pieces with this paste and keep for 20-30 minutes. Heat oil in a container and add the garlic paste. Dash the chopped onion in it. Add the chicken and cook in low flame for about 15 minutes. You need to see that both sides of the chicken are nicely cooked yet should not be burnt.  Use a spatula to turn the other side. Both the sides should be cooked for approximately 7.5 minutes. You may sprinkle water slowly for the chicken to be soft enough.  Add salt as per your taste. This will be ideally a dry item with little gravy in it. When the chicken is being cooked, then you may add the rest of the paste to it. It will be a mind boggling green mixture and the chicken pieces showing its contour. Check with the help of a fork to see if the chicken is soft enough. Remove the entire content to a serving dish and sprinkle lime juice on it.  Decorate with tomatoes/onions as shown in the picture above.

This dish is served as a starter. Since no spice is used the essence of mint, fennel dominates.The addition of lime juice marks a different degree in taste and makes it really outstanding. Enjoy with your family and friends and be sure to get tonnes of appreciation notes from them.  Enjoy variety as it's the spice of life.