Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and unique recipe that combines savory and sweet flavors in a mouth-watering dish? Look no further than our Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties. This South African-inspired recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a summer barbecue with friends. Read on to discover how to create this flavorful dish step-by-step, and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

What are Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties?

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties are a traditional South African dish, featuring marinated chicken and dried apricots threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The word "sosatie" comes from the Cape Malay tradition and is a combination of "sate" (skewer) and "saus" (spicy sauce). This dish is known for its blend of savory and sweet flavors, with a touch of curry spice, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Ingredients List for Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

To prepare this delectable dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, cubed

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 cups dried apricots
• ½ cup smooth apricot jam
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Mrs. Ball’s Chutney
• 2 bay leaves

Substitutions and Variations

While the above ingredients will give you the most authentic taste, here are some substitutions and variations you can consider:

• Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. However, thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
• Madras Curry Powder: If you can't find Madras curry powder, regular curry powder will work just fine. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as alternatives.
• Mrs. Ball’s Chutney: If this specific chutney is unavailable, any fruit chutney or mango chutney can be used.
• Dried Apricots: Fresh apricots can be used, but they might alter the cooking time slightly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add a little oil, and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for a few more minutes until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Curry Powder: Add the Madras curry powder and sauté briefly. Immediately deglaze the pan with the red wine vinegar to prevent burning.
4. Simmer the Marinade: Add the rest of the marinade ingredients – dried apricots, apricot jam, olive oil, Mrs. Ball’s Chutney, and bay leaves. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes.
5. Cool the Marinade: Remove from heat and allow the marinade to cool completely.

Marinating the Chicken

1. Divide the Marinade: Set aside about a cup of the marinade for glazing later.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken and cubed onion. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and onions, stirring to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight.

Assembling the Sosaties

1. Prepare the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be used directly.
2. Thread the Ingredients: Thread the marinated chicken pieces, cubed onion, and dried apricots onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
3. Drain the Sosaties: Place the assembled sosaties on a rack over a pan to drain off some of the marinade, which will help prevent burning during grilling.

How to Cook Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Grill: Fire up the grill to medium heat. Ensure it's properly preheated before placing the sosaties.
2. Grill the Sosaties: Place the sosaties on the grill and cook for approximately 25 minutes. Turn them often to ensure even cooking. Keep the heat low and slow to avoid burning.
3. Glaze the Sosaties: Right at the end of the grilling process, brush the sosaties with the reserved marinade to give them a delicious glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but overcooking can still dry them out. Keep a close eye on the grilling process.
• Not Marinating Long Enough: The flavors develop best when the chicken is marinated overnight. A shorter marinating time will result in less flavorful sosaties.
• Skipping the Soaking of Bamboo Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soaking is essential to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat can burn the marinade and dry out the chicken. Opt for medium heat and a slow cooking process.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Here’s how you can make them even more attractive on the plate:

How to Serve Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

1. Pair with Sides: Serve the sosaties with a fresh leafy salad and a quinoa pilaf. The lightness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the sosaties.
2. Serve Hot: Ensure the sosaties are served hot off the grill to enjoy the full burst of flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

1. Colorful Garnishes: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color.
2. Use a Platter: Arrange the sosaties on a large platter, alternating the skewers with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
3. Drizzle with Sauce: Lightly drizzle extra chutney or a yogurt-based sauce over the sosaties before serving.

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe Tips

1. Uniform Cutting: Ensure the chicken and onions are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don't have a grill, you can cook the sosaties in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. Advanced Preparation: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day ahead to save time on the day of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? A: Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it might be slightly drier compared to thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken? A: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. If you're short on time, a minimum of two hours will still impart good flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Thaw completely before threading onto skewers and grilling.

Q: What other fruits can I use instead of apricots? A: Pineapple chunks or peaches can be good substitutes, offering a similar sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

Q: Is it necessary to use chutney in the marinade? A: Chutney adds a unique depth of flavor, but if unavailable, you can skip it or substitute with a fruit preserve.

Conclusion

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties are a delightful dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply want to treat your family to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a delicious and visually stunning dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Print