Something Is Odd on the Chicken Drumsticks
I tried a recipe for chicken drumsticks that I really wanted to like for it’s simplicity. Unfortunately, the flavors just weren’t right for me.
Below are some links to more details, including photos:
My Story
I had chicken drumsticks to use up and wanted to bake them using ingredients that were already at home. What I was looking for was some type of Indian flavor, so I went to the internet for ideas.
Inspiring Recipe
I found the Crispy Indian Chicken Drumsticks recipe from Paleo Flourish, a health and wellness website about the Paleo lifestyle.
First Try
Because the recipe was so simple, I couldn’t wait to try it. Who wouldn’t want a recipe that’s easy to make?
Ingredients to Use
With 8 chicken drumsticks to cook with, I had to decrease the remaining ingredients as follows:
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 3 tablespoons + 1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon of oil
For the sea salt that I used, I converted the low and high ends of what was listed on the recipe and chose 2 tablespoons based on the availability of dry measuring spoons. Also, the high end of the salt amount seemed like a lot, so I was okay with using less.
As for the garam masala, I based the measurement on the high end of what was noted on the recipe and rounded it up based on the available dry measuring spoons. In addition, I was hoping that adding a little extra spice would give the chicken more flavor.
Lastly, since I didn’t have any coconut oil, I used olive oil instead.
Steps to Prepare
Aside from the oil substitution already mentioned above, I followed the six steps in the instructions as written.
Time to Eat
After the chicken drumsticks were baked, they were plated for dinner.
Recipe Rating
Below were the results of the recipe after the first try:
| Number of Ingredients | Effort (Low🤏, Medium🤏🤏, High🤏🤏🤏) | Cost per Serving (<$2💰, $2-5💰💰, >$5💰💰💰) | Taste (Not for me🤔, Trying Again🙂, Eating Regularly😋) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4️⃣ | 🤏 | 💰💰 | 🙂 |
What stood out the most was that the drumsticks were so salty that I couldn’t taste much of the garam masala! Secondarily, they were a little dry, but not crispy.
Second Try
For the second attempt, my only goal was to decrease the saltiness.
Ingredients to Use
With 12 chicken drumsticks this time around, I modified the other ingredients as follows:
- 2 teaspoons + 1/3 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons + 2 1/2 teaspoons of garam masala, curry powder, and cumin
- 1 3/4 teaspoons of oil
For the salt, I changed the base measurement from tablespoon to teaspoon before converting the lower-end amount listed on the recipe, so I didn’t over-salt the dish again.
As for the spices, the total amount was based on the available dry measuring spoons again, but the result was within the converted range of the measurement. Also, since I didn’t have enough garam masala, I used the remaining amount from the jar, added what I had for curry powder, and included cumin for the balance needed.
Steps to Prepare
For the process, I kept it the same as my first attempt.
Time to Eat
After the second batch was done baking, I was hoping that it tasted better than the first one.
Recipe Rating
Below are the results of the recipe from the second attempt:
| Number of Ingredients | Effort (Low🤏, Medium🤏🤏, High🤏🤏🤏) | Cost per Serving (<$2💰, $2-5💰💰, >$5💰💰💰) | Taste (Not for me🤔, Trying Again🙂, Eating Regularly😋) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6️⃣ | 🤏 | 💰💰 | 🤔 |
Although I was happy that the chicken drumsticks were not salty, I was not crazy about the mix of spices that I created. Also, the meat was still dry and not crispy.
Though I will likely not be using this recipe in the future, below is an improvement one could try:
Continuous Improvement
- Stick to a tasty garam masala blend for this recipe.
Sometimes ingredients in a recipe need to be substituted, but there’s something to remember from my experience with making the Indian chicken drumsticks, as follows:
Lesson for Dumber Self
- If you need to substitute spices in a complex blend, try the new mixture and make adjustments to it, if needed, before using it in a recipe.
What will you do now?
Next Step for You
- Try the Crispy Indian Chicken Drumsticks recipe from Paleo Flourish?
- Share a suggestion on what you would’ve done if you ran out of garam masala?
- Read another post on this site? (Go to the menu at the top of the page.)