Cooking with children: Chicken and Grapes

Summer holidays are the perfect time to get children to learn the culinary arts, an essential life skill which will hold them in good stead through their adult lives. Moreover, parent-child cooking sessions promote family bonding and provide a wonderful opportunity to educate children about healthy diets. Here are some easy recipes to start with: Parvathy Menon

CHICKEN & GRAPES

Chicken and Grapes

INGREDIENTS

 ½ kg boneless chicken, cut into cubes
 1 ½ cups seedless green grapes
 2 tbsp olive oil
 ½ tsp lemon zest
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 2 minced garlic cloves
 1 tsp ground cumin
 ½ tsp ground coriander
 ½ tsp salt
 8 skewers
 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
 1 lemon, cut into wedges

PREPARATION GUIDE

 Whisk oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt together in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate the chicken for 20 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, soak the skewers (if wooden) in water.

 Thread four marinated chicken cubes and four grapes onto each skewer, alternating them. Oil a grill pan and preheat oven to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle with mint and serve with lemon wedges.

HEALTH BENEFITS. Grapes are a summer food as they have high water content and help keep the body hydrated. They are also anti-inflammatory and help alleviate symptoms of allergy such as watery eyes and runny nose.