MINT CORIANDER RICE WITH GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS

This Mint-Coriander Rice is a new addition in my recipe list. I had it first at work....one of my colleague might have got it. The lunch time is very colourful for us at work....it seems as if all the states of India are represented at one place. It speaks of peace and harmony, where sweet pulao happily stands by tamarind rice, Dahi Vada holds hand  with idly...sometimes there are also pastas and western desserts showcasing world cuisine. The foodie in me will obviously be happy with it.... More so when we have a potluck, its a visual treat sort of...about 25-30 variety of dishes on display.

The other day I had a good amount of Mint-Coriander leaves at home, so thought of preparing rice with it. It is usually served with a vegetarian side but my home is strictly non-veg. So I had to think of a non-veg alternative. My men's love for meat made me settle on some Orange grilled chicken wings with it. The rice had a refreshening aroma and taste...with it the crispy chicken wings went well...Rice and Chicken....in one form or the other keeps my family happy....

INGREDIENTS :[for the mint-coriander rice]
Rice : 1 cup
Mint Leaves : 100 gm
Coriander Leaves : 100 gm
Garlic[minced] : 1 tsp
Green Chilli : 2
Onion : 2[medium]
Salt : As required
Oil : 3tbsp

INGREDIENTS :[grilled chicken wings]
Chicken Wings : 10-12
Lemon Juice : 4tbsp
Orange  Juice : 1/2 cup
Ginger Paste : 1tbsp
Garlic Paste : 2tbsp
Salt : As required
Sugar : 1 tbsp[optional]
Yellow Food Colour : 2 pinches[optional]
Oil : 3-4 tbsp

METHOD :
Wash and boil the rice in enough water till 70-75 % done. Drain the water and transfer the rice to a colander. Let its water dry.

Wash the chicken wings and marinate with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice,salt. Keep aside for 2 hours.

Add sugar and the yellow food colour to the orange juice.

After 2 hours, take the chicken pieces out from the marination. Add the orange juice to it, mix well. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour.

Now add oil to the chicken pieces and mix well.

Grill the marinated chicken wings for 10 minutes one side, brushing oil very 3-4 minutes. Turn the meat pieces and grill for another 5 minutes, brushing oil once in between.

For the rice, wash, peel and cut the onions in cubes. Make a paste with prewashed mint and coriander leaves along with the green chillies.

Heat oil in a pan, add the minced garlic. When it gives nice aroma, add the onion cubes. Saute till translucent. Now add the mint- coriander paste, saute for 2-3 minutes, add required amount of salt and stir for another 1 minute.

Add the rice. Stir at high heat for 3-4 minutes till each morsel of rice is well coated with the paste. Switch off, its done.

Serve hot along with the grilled wings and raita!!