SAUCES FOR CHICKEN RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Roughly chop the celery, leeks, onions and carrots. Leaving it unpeeled, bash the half bulb of garlic.
  2. Place the chicken carcasses, garlic, vegetables, herbs and peppercorns in a large, deep-bottomed pan. Add the cold water and bring to the boil, skim, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Continue to simmer gently for 3-4 hours, skimming as necessary, then pass the stock through a fine sieve.
  3. Allow to cool for about half an hour, then refrigerate. Once the stock is cold it should look clear and slightly amber in colour. I usually divide it into small plastic containers at this point and freeze it. It will keep in the fridge for about 4 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Steps:

• 1. Gently heat the curry powder, cumin and turmeric for 1 minute in a dry pan on a medium heat.
  2. Deseed 2 chillies and peel the garlic and ginger. Place in a blender with the toasted spices and coriander (reserving a few nice leaves in a bowl of cold water for later).
  3. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, the green parts of the spring onions, the zest of 2 limes and the juice of 3. Blitz until almost smooth, loosening with a few splashes of water, if needed, then taste and season to perfection.
  4. Cut each chicken thigh into 4 pieces and toss with half the satay sauce. Divide and thread onto 4 skewers and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
  5. If you’re using a barbecue, get it going 1 hour before you want to cook. If you’re using a griddle pan, cut your wooden skewers to fit and preheat the pan.
  6. Get a garnish plate together – drain the coriander leaves, finely slice the whites of the spring onions, finely slice the remaining chillies and wedge up the remaining lime. Toast the peanuts in a dry pan until golden, then crush and add to the plate.
  7. When you’re ready to cook, oil and lightly season the chicken on both sides, then place on your medium-hot barbecue or griddle pan. Cook for around 15 minutes, or until beautifully gnarly and golden, turning regularly.
  8. Serve on a platter with the rest of the sauce on the side. Sprinkle over the garnishes and slice up some nice ripe wedges of watermelon or pineapple to serve on the side – heavenly.